Enhanced microalgae-based microbial fuel cell performance using single-chamber photocatalyst air-cathode...

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy
• Electrochemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Global energy demands and climate change necessitate sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
• Photosynthetic microalgae-based microbial fuel cells (AMFC) offer a promising bio-electrochemical approach for energy generation.
• Optimization of AMFC components is crucial for enhancing their practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve electricity generation in single-chamber AMFCs.
• To investigate the effect of modified graphite-photocatalyst air cathodes on power output.
• To evaluate the impact of different electrical configurations (series, parallel, mixed) on AMFC performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and testing of modified graphite air cathodes using TiO2 and MnO2 photocatalysts.
• Measurement of power density generated by AMFCs with different cathode modifications.
• Analysis of AMFC performance under series, parallel, and mixed electrical connections.

Main Results:

• A 25% TiO2-graphite mixture cathode achieved a power density of 5.56 ± 0.32 mW/m².
• Fabricated photocatalyst air cathodes significantly enhanced power density.
• Parallel electrical connection yielded the highest power density (23.82 ± 3.72 mW/m²), while mixed configuration offered balanced output.

Conclusions:

• Modified graphite-photocatalyst air cathodes are effective in enhancing AMFC power generation.
• Electrical configuration critically influences AMFC performance, with parallel connections being optimal for maximum power.
• These findings support the potential of AMFCs as a cost-effective technology for renewable energy recovery.