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Fathima A, Ilankoon IMSK, Zhang Y, Chong MN. Scaling up of dual-chamber microbial electrochemical systems - An appraisal using systems design approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169186. [PMID: 38086487 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Impetus to minimise the energy and carbon footprints of evolving wastewater resource recovery facilities has promoted the development of microbial electrochemical systems (MES) as an emerging energy-neutral and sustainable platform technology. Using separators in dual-chamber MES to isolate anodic and cathodic environments creates endless opportunities for its myriad applications. Nevertheless, the high internal resistance and the complex interdependencies among various system factors have challenged its scale-up. This critical review employed a systems approach to examine the complex interdependencies and practical issues surrounding the implementation and scalability of dual-chamber MES, where the anodic and cathodic reactions are mutually appraised to improve the overall system efficiency. The robustness and stability of anodic biofilms in large-volume MES is dependent on its inoculum source, antecedent history and enrichment strategies. The composition and anode-respiring activity of these biofilms are modulated by the anolyte composition, while their performance demands a delicate balance between the electrode size, macrostructure and the availability of substrates, buffers and nutrients when using real wastewater as anolyte. Additionally, the catholyte governed the reduction environment and associated energy consumption of MES with scalable electrocatalysts needed to enhance the sluggish reaction kinetics for energy-efficient resource recovery. A comprehensive assessment of the dual-chamber reactor configuration revealed that the tubular, spiral-wound, or plug-in modular MES configurations are suitable for pilot-scale, where it could be designed more effectively using efficient electrode macrostructure, suitable membranes and bespoke strategies for continuous operation to maximise their performance. It is anticipated that the critical and analytical understanding gained through this review will support the continuous development and scaling-up of dual-chamber MES for prospective energy-neutral treatment of wastewater and simultaneous circular management of highly relevant environmental resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshia Fathima
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - I M S K Ilankoon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Meng Nan Chong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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2
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Noori MT, Rossi R, Logan BE, Min B. Hydrogen production in microbial electrolysis cells with biocathodes. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(23)00366-9. [PMID: 38360421 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Electroautotrophic microbes at biocathodes in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) can catalyze the hydrogen evolution reaction with low energy demand, facilitating long-term stable performance through specific and renewable biocatalysts. However, MECs have not yet reached commercialization due to a lack of understanding of the optimal microbial strains and reactor configurations for achieving high performance. Here, we critically analyze the criteria for the inocula selection, with a focus on the effect of hydrogenase activity and microbe-electrode interactions. We also evaluate the impact of the reactor design and key parameters, such as membrane type, composition, and electrode surface area on internal resistance, mass transport, and pH imbalances within MECs. This analysis paves the way for advancements that could propel biocathode-assisted MECs toward scalable hydrogen gas production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Tabish Noori
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University - Global Campus, Yongin-Si, South Korea
| | - Ruggero Rossi
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, Pennsylvania, PA 16801, USA
| | - Booki Min
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University - Global Campus, Yongin-Si, South Korea.
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3
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Pérez-Rodríguez P, Covarrubias-Gordillo CA, Rodríguez-De la Garza JA, Barrera-Martínez CL, Martínez-Amador SY. Embedded Graphite and Carbon Nanofibers in a Polyurethane Matrix Used as Anodes in Microbial Fuel Cells for Wastewater Treatment. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4177. [PMID: 37896421 PMCID: PMC10611145 DOI: 10.3390/polym15204177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Composites of polyurethane and graphite and polyurethane and carbon nanofibers (PU/Graphite 0.5% and PU/CNF 1%) were synthesized and used as anodes in dual-compartment microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for municipal wastewater treatment; electrical energy generation and organic matter removal were assessed. The maximum power density, coulombic efficiency and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency in the MFCs packed with the PU/Graphite 0.5% and PU/CNF 1% composites were 232.32 mW/m3 and 90.78 mW/m3, 5.87 and 4.41%, and 51.38 and 68.62%, respectively. In addition, the internal resistance of the MFCs with the best bioelectrochemical performance (PU/Graphite 0.5%) was 1051.11 Ω. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the feasibility of using these types of materials in dual-compartment MFCs for wastewater treatment with electric power generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Pérez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencias del Suelo, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Buenavista, Saltillo 25315, Coahuila, Mexico;
| | - Carlos A. Covarrubias-Gordillo
- Departamento de Materiales Avanzados, Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Boulevard Enrique Reyna Hermosillo 140, San José de los Cerritos, Saltillo 25113, Coahuila, Mexico;
| | - José A. Rodríguez-De la Garza
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, José Cárdenas Valdez y Venustiano Carranza S/N, Colonia República Oriente, Saltillo 25280, Coahuila, Mexico;
| | - Cynthia L. Barrera-Martínez
- Centro de Investigación para la Conservación de la Biodiversidad y Ecología de Coahuila, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Miguel Hidalgo 212, Zona Centro, Cuatrociénegas 27640, Coahuila, Mexico;
| | - Silvia Y. Martínez-Amador
- Departamento de Botánica, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Buenavista, Saltillo 25315, Coahuila, Mexico
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4
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Rossi R, Logan BE. Impact of reactor configuration on pilot-scale microbial fuel cell performance. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 225:119179. [PMID: 36206685 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Different microbial fuel cell (MFC) configurations have been successfully operated at pilot-scale levels (>100 L) to demonstrate electricity generation while accomplishing domestic or industrial wastewater treatment. Two cathode configurations have been primarily used based on either oxygen transfer by aeration of a liquid catholyte or direct oxygen transfer using air-cathodes. Analysis of several pilot-scale MFCs showed that air-cathode MFCs outperformed liquid catholyte reactors based on power density, producing 233% larger area-normalized power densities and 181% higher volumetric power densities. Reactors with higher electrode packing densities improved performance by enabling larger power production while minimizing the reactor footprint. Despite producing more power than the liquid catholyte MFCs, and reducing energy consumption for catholyte aeration, pilot MFCs based on air-cathode configuration failed to produce effluents with chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels low enough to meet typical threshold for discharge. Therefore, additional treatment would be required to further reduce the organic matter in the effluent to levels suitable for discharge. Scaling up MFCs must incorporate designs that can minimize electrode and solution resistances to maximize power and enable efficient wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruggero Rossi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Bio-electrocatalyst Fe3O4/Fe@C derived from MOF as a high-performance bioanode in single-chamber microbial fuel cell. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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6
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Baek G, Rossi R, Saikaly PE, Logan BE. High-rate microbial electrosynthesis using a zero-gap flow cell and vapor-fed anode design. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118597. [PMID: 35609490 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cells use renewable energy to convert carbon dioxide into valuable chemical products such as methane and acetate, but chemical production rates are low and pH changes can adversely impact biocathodes. To overcome these limitations, an MES reactor was designed with a zero-gap electrode configuration with a cation exchange membrane (CEM) to achieve a low internal resistance, and a vapor-fed electrode to minimize pH changes. Liquid catholyte was pumped through a carbon felt cathode inoculated with anaerobic digester sludge, with humidified N2 gas flowing over the abiotic anode (Ti or C with a Pt catalyst) to drive water splitting. The ohmic resistance was 2.4 ± 0.5 mΩ m2, substantially lower than previous bioelectrochemical systems (20-25 mΩ m2), and the catholyte pH remained near-neutral (6.6-7.2). The MES produced a high methane production rate of 2.9 ± 1.2 L/L-d (748 mmol/m2-d, 17.4 A/m2; Ti/Pt anode) at a relatively low applied voltage of 3.1 V. In addition, acetate was produced at a rate of 940 ± 250 mmol/m2-d with 180 ± 30 mmol/m2-d for propionate. The biocathode microbial community was dominated by the methanogens of the genus Methanobrevibacter, and the acetogen of the genus Clostridium sensu stricto 1. These results demonstrate the utility of this zero-gap cell and vapor-fed anode design for increasing rates of methane and chemical production in MES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gahyun Baek
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Environmental Research Group, Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (RIST), 67 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Ruggero Rossi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Pascal E Saikaly
- Environmental Science and Engineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States.
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Fathima A, Liam YZ, Ilankoon I, Chong MN. Data-driven and validated dimensional analysis for rational scale-up of a dual-chamber microbial fuel cell system for water-energy nexus exploitation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 354:127233. [PMID: 35489574 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mathematical modelling of microbial fuel cells (MFC) facilitates their scale-up by maintaining dimensionless parameters across reactor volumes for consistent performance. This study developed data-driven correlations to predict areal power density for a batch-fed dual-chamber MFC using hybridised first-principle mechanistic model and Buckingham's Pi theorem. The established correlations were validated using experimentally-derived data for pre-enriched electroactive biofilm from mixed cultures. The biochemical model parameters are infilled with stoichiometric and thermodynamics estimations. Results showed that the correlations using logistic kinetics (Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency, NSE = 0.59) outperformed Monod kinetics (NSE = 0.52) as the latter was not suitable for representing the first-order biochemical kinetics under limited substrate conditions. Sensitivity analysis on varying pH and bicarbonate concentration improved model predictions by ± 50%, though relative absolute error was ± 20% due to inherent error of estimated biochemical parameters. The application of hybridised approach for modelling MFC provides renewed perspectives for their rational design and scale-up applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshia Fathima
- School of Engineering, Chemical Engineering Discipline, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia
| | - Yong Zheng Liam
- School of Engineering, Chemical Engineering Discipline, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia
| | - Imsk Ilankoon
- School of Engineering, Chemical Engineering Discipline, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia
| | - Meng Nan Chong
- School of Engineering, Chemical Engineering Discipline, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia.
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8
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Fonseca EU, Yang W, Wang X, Rossi R, Logan BE. Comparison of different chemical treatments of brush and flat carbon electrodes to improve performance of microbial fuel cells. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 342:125932. [PMID: 34543819 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anodes in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can be chemically treated to improve performance but the impact of treatment on power generation has not been examined for different electrode base materials. Brush or flat anodes were chemically treated and then compared in identical two-chambered MFCs using the electrode potential slope (EPS) analysis to quantify the anode resistances. Flat carbon cloth anodes modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) produced 1.42 ± 0.06 W m-2, which was 3.2 times more power than the base material (0.44 ± 0.00 W m-2), but less than the 2.35 ± 0.1 W m-2 produced using plain graphite fiber brush anodes. An EPS analysis showed that there was a 90% decrease in the anode resistances of the CNT-treated carbon cloth and a 5% decrease of WO3 nanoparticle-treated brushes compared to unmodified controls. Certain chemical treatments can therefore improve performance of flat anodes, but plain brush anodes achieved the highest power densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel U Fonseca
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Wulin Yang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States; College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xu Wang
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Ruggero Rossi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States.
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9
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Yang J, Cheng S. External resistance acclimation regulates bio-anode: new perspective from biofilm structure and its correlation with anode performance. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2021; 45:269-277. [PMID: 34689231 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-021-02658-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
External resistance is important for the anode and cell performance. However, little attentions were paid on the effect of external resistance on the variation of biofilm structure. Here, we used external resistance ranged from 4000 to 500 Ω for anodic acclimation to investigate the correlation between anode performance and biofilm structure. With the reduce of external resistance, the maximum current density of anode increased from 1.0 to 3.4 A/m2, which was resulted from a comprehensive effect of reduced charge transfer resistance and increased diffusion resistance. Biological analysis showed that with the reduce of external resistance, biomass and extracellular polymeric substances content increased by 109 and 286%, cell viability increased by 22.7%, which contributed to the reduced charge transfer resistance. But the porosity of anodic biofilm decreased by 27.8%, which led to an increased diffusion resistance of H+. This work provided a clear correlation between the electrochemical performance and biofilm structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, People's Republic of China.
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Yang Q, Luo D, Liu X, Guo T, Zhao X, Zheng X, Wang W. Improving the anode performance of microbial fuel cell with carbon nanotubes supported cobalt phosphate catalyst. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 142:107941. [PMID: 34487966 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a sustainable technology that can convert waste to energy by harnessing the power of exoelectrogenic bacteria. However, the poor biocompatibility and low electrocatalytic activities of surface usually cause weak bacterial adhesion and low electron transfer efficiency, which seriously hampers the development of MFCs. Herein, a novel carbon nanotube supported cobalt phosphate (CNT/Co-Pi) electrode is fabricated by assembling CNTs on carbon cloth, followed by the electrodeposition of Co-Pi catalyst. The deposited amorphous Co-Pi thin film contains phosphate and the cobalt ions of multiple oxidation states. The hydrophilic phosphate can promote the adhesion of microorganisms on electrode. The strong conversion ability of multiple states of cobalt offers excellent electrocatalytic activity for the electron transfer across biotic/abiotic interface. Therefore, the highly conductive CNTs substrate, along with the Co-Pi catalyst, provide an effective electron transfer between the electrogenic bacteria and the electrode, which endows MFC high power densities up to 1200 mW m-2. Our work has demonstrated for the first time that CNT/Co-Pi catalyst can promote the interfacial electron transfer between electrogenic bacteria and electrode, and highlighted the application potentials of Co-Pi as an anode catalyst for the fabrication of high performance MFC anodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinzheng Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, Shandong, P.R. China.
| | - Dianliang Luo
- School of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoliang Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Tiantian Guo
- School of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xuedong Zhao
- School of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xinxin Zheng
- School of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Wenlong Wang
- Songshan Lake Material Laboratory of Institute of Physics, Shenzhen 523808, Guangdong, P.R. China; Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P.R. China.
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11
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Changes in electrode resistances and limiting currents as a function of microbial electrolysis cell reactor configurations. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.138590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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12
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Microbial Fuel Cell for Energy Production, Nutrient Removal and Recovery from Wastewater: A Review. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9081318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The world is facing serious threats from the depletion of non-renewable energy resources, freshwater shortages and food scarcity. As the world population grows, the demand for fresh water, energy, and food will increase, and the need for treating and recycling wastewater will rise. In the past decade, wastewater has been recognized as a resource as it primarily consists of water, energy-latent organics and nutrients. Microbial fuel cells (MFC) have attracted considerable attention due to their versatility in their applications in wastewater treatment, power generation, toxic pollutant removal, environmental monitoring sensors, and more. This article provides a review of MFC technologies applied to the removal and/or recovery of nutrients (such as P and N), organics (COD), and bioenergy (as electricity) from various wastewaters. This review aims to provide the current perspective on MFCs, focusing on the recent advancements in the areas of nutrient removal and/or recovery with simultaneous power generation.
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13
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Carbon Nanotube/Pt Cathode Nanocomposite Electrode in Microbial Fuel Cells for Wastewater Treatment and Bioenergy Production. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13148057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we reported the fabrication, characterization, and application of carbon nanotube (CNT)-platinum nanocomposite as a novel generation of cathode catalyst in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for sustainable energy production and wastewater treatment. The efficiency of the carbon nanocomposites was compared by platinum (Pt), which is the most effective and common cathode catalyst. This nanocomposite is utilized to benefit from the catalytic properties of CNTs and reduce the amount of required Pt, as it is an expensive catalyst. The CNT/Pt nanocomposites were synthesized via a chemical reduction technique and the electrodes were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, electronic dispersive X-Ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The nanocomposites were applied as cathode catalysts in the MFC to obtain polarization curve and coulombic efficiency (CE) results. The catalytic properties of electrodes were tested by linear sweep voltammetry. The CNT/Pt at the concentration of 0.3 mg/cm2 had the highest performance in terms of CE (47.16%), internal resistance (551 Ω), COD removal (88.9%), and power generation (143 mW/m2). In contrast, for the electrode with 0.5 mg/L of Pt catalyst, CE, internal resistance, COD removal, and power generation were 19%, 810 Ω, 96%, and 84.1 mW/m2, respectively. So, it has been found that carbon nanocomposite cathode electrodes had better performance for sustainable clean energy production and COD removal by MFC.
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14
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Bio-functional metal organic framework composite as bioanode for enhanced electricity generation by a microbial fuel cell. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2020.137622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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15
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Kim B, Chang IS, Dinsdale RM, Guwy AJ. Accurate measurement of internal resistance in microbial fuel cells by improved scanning electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2020.137388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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16
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Rossi R, Logan BE. Impact of external resistance acclimation on charge transfer and diffusion resistance in bench-scale microbial fuel cells. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 318:123921. [PMID: 32768279 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Reducing the external resistance (Rext) for microbial fuel cell (MFC) acclimation can substantially alter the anode performance in terms of charge transfer (RCT), diffusion (Rd) and total anode resistance (RAn). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to quantify anode impedance at different set potentials. Reducing Rext from 50 Ω to 20 Ω during acclimation reduced RCT by 31% (from 6.12 ± 0.09 mΩ m2 to 4.21 ± 0.03 mΩ m2) and Rd by 18% (from 3.4 ± 0.2 mΩ m2 to 2.8 ± 0.1 mΩ m2) at a set anode potential of -115 mV during EIS. Overall RAn decreased by 27%, to 5.13 ± 0.02 mΩ m2 for acclimation at 20 Ω, enabling the anode to achieve 38% higher current densities of 29 ± 1 A m-2. The results show a clear dependence of acclimation procedures and external resistance on kinetic and diffusion components of anode impedance that can impact overall bioelectrochemical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruggero Rossi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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17
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Lawson K, Rossi R, Regan JM, Logan BE. Impact of cathodic electron acceptor on microbial fuel cell internal resistance. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 316:123919. [PMID: 32771939 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Ferricyanide is often used in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to avoid oxygen intrusion that occurs with air cathodes. However, MFC internal resistances using ferricyanide can be larger than those with air cathodes even though ferricyanide results in higher power densities. Using a graphite fiber brush cathode and a ferricyanide catholyte (FC-B) the internal resistance was 62 ± 4 mΩ m2, with 84 ± 8 mΩ m2 obtained using ferricyanide and a flat carbon paper cathode (FC-F) and only 51 ± 1 mΩ m2 using a 70% porosity air cathode (A-70). The FC-B MFCs produced the highest maximum power density of all configurations examined: 2.46 ± 0.26 W/m2, compared to 1.33 ± 0.14 W/m2 for the A-70 MFCs. The electrode potential slope (EPS) analysis method showed that electrode resistances were similar for ferricyanide and air-cathode MFCs, and that higher power was due to the larger experimental working potential (500 ± 12 mV) of ferricyanide compared to the air cathode (233 ± 5 mV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Lawson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ruggero Rossi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - John M Regan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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