1
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Hornik T, Terry M, Krause M, Catterlin JK, Joiner KL, Aragon S, Sarmiento A, Arias-Thode YM, Kartalov EP. Experimental Proof of Principle of 3D-Printed Microfluidic Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells (MBMFCs) with Inbuilt Biocompatible Carbon-Fiber Electrodes. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:870. [PMID: 39064381 PMCID: PMC11278569 DOI: 10.3390/mi15070870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising avenue for sustainable energy production by harnessing the metabolic activity of microorganisms. In this study, a novel design of MFC-a Microfluidic Benthic Microbial Fuel Cell (MBMFC)-was developed, fabricated, and tested to evaluate its electrical energy generation. The design focused on balancing microfluidic architecture and wiring procedures with microbial community dynamics to maximize power output and allow for upscaling and thus practical implementation. The testing phase involved experimentation to evaluate the performance of the MBMFC. Microbial feedstock was varied to assess its impact on power generation. The designed MBMFC represents a promising advancement in the field of bioenergy generation. By integrating innovative design principles with advanced fabrication techniques, this study demonstrates a systematic approach to optimizing MFC performance for sustainable and clean energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terak Hornik
- Physics Department, Naval Postgraduate School, 1 University Circle, Monterey, CA 93943, USA; (T.H.); (M.T.); (J.K.C.)
| | - Maxwell Terry
- Physics Department, Naval Postgraduate School, 1 University Circle, Monterey, CA 93943, USA; (T.H.); (M.T.); (J.K.C.)
| | - Michael Krause
- MOVES Institute, Naval Postgraduate School, 1 University Circle, Monterey, CA 93943, USA;
| | - Jeffrey K. Catterlin
- Physics Department, Naval Postgraduate School, 1 University Circle, Monterey, CA 93943, USA; (T.H.); (M.T.); (J.K.C.)
| | - Kevin L. Joiner
- Naval Information Warfare Center, San Diego, CA 92152, USA; (K.L.J.); (S.A.); (A.S.); (Y.M.A.-T.)
| | - Samuel Aragon
- Naval Information Warfare Center, San Diego, CA 92152, USA; (K.L.J.); (S.A.); (A.S.); (Y.M.A.-T.)
| | - Angelica Sarmiento
- Naval Information Warfare Center, San Diego, CA 92152, USA; (K.L.J.); (S.A.); (A.S.); (Y.M.A.-T.)
| | | | - Emil P. Kartalov
- Physics Department, Naval Postgraduate School, 1 University Circle, Monterey, CA 93943, USA; (T.H.); (M.T.); (J.K.C.)
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2
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Khodaparastasgarabad N, Sonawane JM, Baghernavehsi H, Gong L, Liu L, Greener J. Microfluidic membraneless microbial fuel cells: new protocols for record power densities. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4201-4212. [PMID: 37702583 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00387f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The main hurdle in leveraging microfluidic advantages in membraneless MFCs is their low electrode area-normalized power. For nearly a decade, maximum power densities have remained stagnant, while at the same time macrosystems continue to gather pace. To bridge this growing gap, we showcase a strategy that focuses on (i) technology improvements, (ii) establishment of record areal power densities, and (iii) presentation of different normalization methods that complement areal power densities and enable direct comparisons across all MFC scales. Using a pure-culture Geobacter sulfurreducens electroactive biofilm (EAB) in a new membraneless MFC that adheres to the strategy above, we observed optimal anode colonization, resulting in the highest recorded electrode areal power density for a microfluidic MFC of 3.88 W m-2 (24.37 kW m-3). We also consider new power normalization methods that may be more appropriate for comparison to other works. Normalized by the wetted cross-section area between electrodes accounts for constraints in electrode/electrolyte contact, resulting in power densities as high as 8.08 W m-2. Alternatively, we present a method to normalize by the flow rate to account for acetate supply, obtaining normalized energy recovery values of 0.025 kW h m-3. With these results, the performance gap between micro- and macroscale MFCs is closed, and a road map to move forward is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jayesh M Sonawane
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
| | - Haleh Baghernavehsi
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
| | - Lingling Gong
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
| | - Linlin Liu
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
- CHU de Québec, Centre de recherche, Université Laval, 10 rue de l'Espinay, Québec, QC, Canada
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3
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Pu KB, Li TT, Gao JY, Chen QY, Guo K, Zhou M, Wang CT, Wang YH. Floating flexible microbial fuel cells for electricity generation and municipal wastewater treatment. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.121915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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4
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Accelerated antibiotic susceptibility testing of pseudomonas aeruginosa by monitoring extracellular electron transfer on a 3-D paper-based cell culture platform. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 216:114604. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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5
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Gong L, Abbaszadeh Amirdehi M, Sonawane JM, Jia N, Torres de Oliveira L, Greener J. Mainstreaming microfluidic microbial fuel cells: a biocompatible membrane grown in situ improves performance and versatility. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1905-1916. [PMID: 35441185 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00098a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A recent trend in microfluidic microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is to exclude a separation membrane, instead, relying on the physics of laminar flow to maintain isolation between anode and cathode compartments. To avoid solution crossover, the electrodes may be separated by distances of several millimeters, but this negatively affects the internal resistance and undermines a prime advantage of microscale MFCs. Therefore, we propose a facile method for in situ synthesis of a micromembrane that supports sub-millimeter electrode spacing. Membrane synthesis in situ reduces device fabrication complexity, and the proposed design avoids electrode contamination during its synthesis. Comparing results to a state-of-the-art membraneless MFC with 6 mm inter-electrode distances, the sub-millimeter membrane MFC under comparable flow conditions had an internal resistance that was 60% lower, power and current densities that were respectively 45% and 290% higher, and acetate conversion efficiencies that were 8 times higher. The enhanced flow stability provided stable operation under imbalanced flow conditions and delivered continuous increases to power density of up to 30% for flow rate increases of 100 times over baseline levels. As a result, maximum outputs obtained were 660 mW m-1 and 3.5 A m-1. These are the highest reported for microfluidic MFCs using pure culture bacteria, which advances the goal of competing with mainstream MFC formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Gong
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | | | - Jayesh M Sonawane
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Nan Jia
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Leon Torres de Oliveira
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
- CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec G1L 3L5, Canada
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6
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Boosting microfluidic microbial fuel cells performance via investigating electron transfer mechanisms, metal-based electrodes, and magnetic field effect. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7417. [PMID: 35523838 PMCID: PMC9076923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11472-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The presented paper fundamentally investigates the influence of different electron transfer mechanisms, various metal-based electrodes, and a static magnetic field on the overall performance of microfluidic microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for the first time to improve the generated bioelectricity. To do so, as the anode of microfluidic MFCs, zinc, aluminum, tin, copper, and nickel were thoroughly investigated. Two types of bacteria, Escherichia coli and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, were used as biocatalysts to compare the different electron transfer mechanisms. Interaction between the anode and microorganisms was assessed. Finally, the potential of applying a static magnetic field to maximize the generated power was evaluated. For zinc anode, the maximum open circuit potential, current density, and power density of 1.39 V, 138,181 mA m-2 and 35,294 mW m-2 were obtained, respectively. The produced current density is at least 445% better than the values obtained in previously published studies so far. The microfluidic MFCs were successfully used to power ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) for medical and clinical applications to elucidate their application as micro-sized power generators for implantable medical devices.
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7
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Choi S. Electrogenic Bacteria Promise New Opportunities for Powering, Sensing, and Synthesizing. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2107902. [PMID: 35119203 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202107902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Considerable research efforts into the promises of electrogenic bacteria and the commercial opportunities they present are attempting to identify potential feasible applications. Metabolic electrons from the bacteria enable electricity generation sufficient to power portable or small-scale applications, while the quantifiable electric signal in a miniaturized device platform can be sensitive enough to monitor and respond to changes in environmental conditions. Nanomaterials produced by the electrogenic bacteria can offer an innovative bottom-up biosynthetic approach to synergize bacterial electron transfer and create an effective coupling at the cell-electrode interface. Furthermore, electrogenic bacteria can revolutionize the field of bioelectronics by effectively interfacing electronics with microbes through extracellular electron transfer. Here, these new directions for the electrogenic bacteria and their recent integration with micro- and nanosystems are comprehensively discussed with specific attention toward distinct applications in the field of powering, sensing, and synthesizing. Furthermore, challenges of individual applications and strategies toward potential solutions are provided to offer valuable guidelines for practical implementation. Finally, the perspective and view on how the use of electrogenic bacteria can hold immeasurable promise for the development of future electronics and their applications are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokheun Choi
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
- Center for Research in Advanced Sensing Technologies & Environmental Sustainability, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
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8
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Do MH, Ngo HH, Guo W, Chang SW, Nguyen DD, Pandey A, Sharma P, Varjani S, Nguyen TAH, Hoang NB. A dual chamber microbial fuel cell based biosensor for monitoring copper and arsenic in municipal wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 811:152261. [PMID: 34902426 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated a dual-chamber microbial fuel cell-based biosensor (DC-MFC-B) for monitoring copper and arsenic in municipal wastewater. Operational conditions, including pH, flow rate, a load of organic substrate and external resistance load, were optimized to improve the biosensor's sensitivity. The DC-MFC-B's toxicity response was established under the electroactive bacteria inhibition rate function to a specific heavy metal level as well as the recovery of the DC-MFC-B. Results show that the DC-MFC-B was optimized at the operating conditions of 1000 Ω external resistance, COD 300 mg L-1 and 50 mM K3Fe(CN)6 as a catholyte solution. The voltage output of the DC-MFC-B decreased with increasing in the copper and arsenic concentrations. A significant linear relationship between the maximum voltage of the biosensor and the heavy metal concentration was obtained with a coefficient of R2 = 0.989 and 0.982 for copper and arsenic, respectively. The study could detect copper (1-10 mg L-1) and arsenic (0.5-5 mg L-1) over wider range compared to other studies. The inhibition ratio for both copper and arsenic was proportional to the concentrations, indicating the electricity changes are mainly dependent on the activity of the electrogenic bacteria on the anode surface. Moreover, the DC-MFC-B was also recovered in few hours after being cleaned with a fresh medium. It was found that the concentration of the toxicant effected on the recovery time and the recovery time was varied between 4 and 12 h. In short, this work provided new avenues for the practical application of microbial fuel cells as a heavy metal biosensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Hang Do
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NWS 2007, Australia
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NWS 2007, Australia; NTT Institute of Hi-Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| | - Wenshan Guo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NWS 2007, Australia
| | - Soon Woong Chang
- Department of Environmental Energy Engineering, Kyonggi University, 442-760, Republic of Korea
| | - Dinh Duc Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Energy Engineering, Kyonggi University, 442-760, Republic of Korea
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India; Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology 12Research, Lucknow 226 001, India
| | - Pooja Sharma
- Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sunita Varjani
- Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gandhinagar 382 010, Gujarat, India
| | - Thi An Hang Nguyen
- Vietnam National University, Vietnam - Japan University, Nam Tu Liem Dist., Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Ngoc Bich Hoang
- NTT Institute of Hi-Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
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9
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Liu L, Choi S. Miniature microbial solar cells to power wireless sensor networks. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 177:112970. [PMID: 33429201 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.112970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Conventional wireless sensor networks (WSNs) powered by traditional batteries or energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors have challenges providing long-term and self-sustaining operation due to their limited energy budgets. Emerging energy harvesting technologies can achieve the longstanding vision of self-powered, long-lived sensors. In particular, miniature microbial solar cells (MSCs) can be the most feasible power source for small and low-power sensor nodes in unattended working environments because they continuously scavenge power from microbial photosynthesis by using the most abundant resources on Earth; solar energy and water. Even with low illumination, the MSC can harvest electricity from microbial respiration. Despite the vast potential and promise of miniature MSCs, their power and lifetime remain insufficient to power potential WSN applications. In this overview, we will introduce the field of miniature MSCs, from early breakthroughs to current achievements, with a focus on emerging techniques to improve their performance. Finally, challenges and perspectives for the future direction of miniature MSCs to self-sustainably power WSN applications will be given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, 4400, Vestal Pkwy East, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Seokheun Choi
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, 4400, Vestal Pkwy East, Binghamton, NY, USA; Center for Research in Advanced Sensing Technologies & Environmental Sustainability, State University of New York at Binghamton, 4400, Vestal Pkwy East, Binghamton, NY, USA.
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10
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Pinck S, Ostormujof LM, Teychené S, Erable B. Microfluidic Microbial Bioelectrochemical Systems: An Integrated Investigation Platform for a More Fundamental Understanding of Electroactive Bacterial Biofilms. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1841. [PMID: 33238493 PMCID: PMC7700166 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
It is the ambition of many researchers to finally be able to close in on the fundamental, coupled phenomena that occur during the formation and expression of electrocatalytic activity in electroactive biofilms. It is because of this desire to understand that bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) have been miniaturized into microBES by taking advantage of the worldwide development of microfluidics. Microfluidics tools applied to bioelectrochemistry permit even more fundamental studies of interactions and coupled phenomena occurring at the microscale, thanks, in particular, to the concomitant combination of electroanalysis, spectroscopic analytical techniques and real-time microscopy that is now possible. The analytical microsystem is therefore much better suited to the monitoring, not only of electroactive biofilm formation but also of the expression and disentangling of extracellular electron transfer (EET) catalytic mechanisms. This article reviews the details of the configurations of microfluidic BESs designed for selected objectives and their microfabrication techniques. Because the aim is to manipulate microvolumes and due to the high modularity of the experimental systems, the interfacial conditions between electrodes and electrolytes are perfectly controlled in terms of physicochemistry (pH, nutrients, chemical effectors, etc.) and hydrodynamics (shear, material transport, etc.). Most of the theoretical advances have been obtained thanks to work carried out using models of electroactive bacteria monocultures, mainly to simplify biological investigation systems. However, a huge virgin field of investigation still remains to be explored by taking advantage of the capacities of microfluidic BESs regarding the complexity and interactions of mixed electroactive biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Benjamin Erable
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, 31432 Toulouse, France; (S.P.); (L.M.O.); (S.T.)
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11
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Şen-Doğan B, Okan M, Afşar-Erkal N, Özgür E, Zorlu Ö, Külah H. Enhancement of the Start-Up Time for Microliter-Scale Microbial Fuel Cells (µMFCs) via the Surface Modification of Gold Electrodes. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E703. [PMID: 32708083 PMCID: PMC7407754 DOI: 10.3390/mi11070703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are biological fuel cells based on the oxidation of fuels by electrogenic bacteria to generate an electric current in electrochemical cells. There are several methods that can be employed to improve their performance. In this study, the effects of gold surface modification with different thiol molecules were investigated for their implementation as anode electrodes in micro-scale MFCs (µMFCs). Several double-chamber µMFCs with 10.4 µL anode and cathode chambers were fabricated using silicon-microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication technology. µMFC systems assembled with modified gold anodes were operated under anaerobic conditions with the continuous feeding of anolyte and catholyte to compare the effect of different thiol molecules on the biofilm formation of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. Performances were evaluated using polarization curves, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Scanning Electron Microcopy (SEM). The results showed that µMFCs modified with thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) (cysteamine and 11-MUA) resulted in more than a 50% reduction in start-up times due to better bacterial attachment on the anode surface. Both 11-MUA and cysteamine modifications resulted in dense biofilms, as observed in SEM images. The power output was found to be similar in cysteamine-modified and bare gold µMFCs. The power and current densities obtained in this study were comparable to those reported in similar studies in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begüm Şen-Doğan
- Department of Micro and Nanotechnology, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey; (B.Ş.-D.); (M.O.)
| | - Meltem Okan
- Department of Micro and Nanotechnology, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey; (B.Ş.-D.); (M.O.)
- METU MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey; (E.Ö.); (Ö.Z.)
| | | | - Ebru Özgür
- METU MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey; (E.Ö.); (Ö.Z.)
| | - Özge Zorlu
- METU MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey; (E.Ö.); (Ö.Z.)
| | - Haluk Külah
- Department of Micro and Nanotechnology, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey; (B.Ş.-D.); (M.O.)
- METU MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey; (E.Ö.); (Ö.Z.)
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
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12
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Amirdehi MA, Khodaparastasgarabad N, Landari H, Zarabadi MP, Miled A, Greener J. A High‐Performance Membraneless Microfluidic Microbial Fuel Cell for Stable, Long‐Term Benchtop Operation Under Strong Flow. ChemElectroChem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202000040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hamza Landari
- Département de Génie électrique Université Laval 1065, avenue de la médecine Québec G1 V 0 A6 Canada
| | - Mir Pouyan Zarabadi
- Département de Chimie Université Laval 1045 avenue de la médecine Québec G1 V 0 A6 Canada
| | - Amine Miled
- Département de Génie électrique Université Laval 1065, avenue de la médecine Québec G1 V 0 A6 Canada
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de Chimie Université Laval 1045 avenue de la médecine Québec G1 V 0 A6 Canada
- CHU de Québec, centre de recherche Université Laval 10 rue de l'Espinay Québec, QC G1 L 3 L5 Canada
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13
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Luo X, Xie W, Wang R, Wu X, Yu L, Qiao Y. Fast Start-Up Microfluidic Microbial Fuel Cells With Serpentine Microchannel. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2816. [PMID: 30515148 PMCID: PMC6256063 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic microbial fuel cells (MMFCs) are promising green power sources for future ultra-small electronic devices. The MMFCs with co-laminar microfluidic structure are superior to other MMFCs according to their low internal resistance and relative high power density. However, the area for interfacial electron transfer between the bacteria and the anode is quite limited in the typical Y-shaped device, which apparently restricts the current generation performance. In this study, we developed a membraneless MMFC with serpentine microchannel to enhance the interfacial electron transfer and promote the power generation of the device. Owing to the merit of laminar flow, the proposed MMFC was working well without any proton exchange membrane (PEM). At the same time, the serpentine microchannel greatly increased the power density. The S-MMFC catalyzed by Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 achieves a peak power density of 360 mW/m2 with the optimal channel configuration and the flow rate of 5 ml/h. Meanwhile, this device possesses much shorter start-up time and much longer duration time at high current plateau than the previous reported MMFCs. The presented MMFC appears promising for biochip technology and extends the scope of microfluidic energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Luo
- Faculty of Materials and Energy, Institute for Clean Energy and Advanced Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Technologies of Clean Energies, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Rapid Diagnosis of Dread Disease, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenyue Xie
- Faculty of Materials and Energy, Institute for Clean Energy and Advanced Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Technologies of Clean Energies, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Rapid Diagnosis of Dread Disease, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruijie Wang
- Faculty of Materials and Energy, Institute for Clean Energy and Advanced Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Technologies of Clean Energies, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Rapid Diagnosis of Dread Disease, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoshuai Wu
- Faculty of Materials and Energy, Institute for Clean Energy and Advanced Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Technologies of Clean Energies, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Rapid Diagnosis of Dread Disease, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Yu
- Faculty of Materials and Energy, Institute for Clean Energy and Advanced Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Technologies of Clean Energies, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Rapid Diagnosis of Dread Disease, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Faculty of Materials and Energy, Institute for Clean Energy and Advanced Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Technologies of Clean Energies, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Rapid Diagnosis of Dread Disease, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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14
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Ye D, Zhang P, Zhu X, Yang Y, Li J, Fu Q, Chen R, Liao Q, Zhang B. Electricity generation of a laminar-flow microbial fuel cell without any additional power supply. RSC Adv 2018; 8:33637-33641. [PMID: 35548815 PMCID: PMC9086568 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra07340f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Laminar-flow microbial fuel cells (LFMFCs) utilize the co-laminar flow feature in the microchannel as a virtual barrier to separate the anolyte and catholyte. However, for LFMFCs reported before, syringe pumps were always used to drive the fluid and form the co-laminar flow of anolyte and catholyte in the microchannel, reducing the net power output and the efficiency of the whole system. In this study, a laminar-flow microbial fuel cell (LFMFC) without any additional power supply is proposed. The LFMFC is successfully started-up after inoculation for 90 h. The anode biofilm distribution becomes sparser along the flow direction due to the thicker boundary layer and unfavorable crossover from the catholyte downstream. Moreover, the LFMFC delivers a maximum volumetric power density of 3200 W m−3, which is higher than that of previous LFMFCs without membranes. Considering the practical application of LFMFC as a power source, the cell voltage responses to different conditions are further investigated. When the external resistance is switched between 1000 Ω and 4000 Ω, it takes the LFMFC 10 minutes to reach a stable voltage output. However, the voltage response to the intermittent supply takes 1 h to reach a stable value. Additionally, short-term cold storage has little effect on bacterial metabolic activity and cell voltage. A novel laminar-flow microbial fuel cell without any additional power supply is proposed.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingding Ye
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education Chongqing 400030 China .,Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
| | - Pengqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education Chongqing 400030 China .,Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
| | - Xun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education Chongqing 400030 China .,Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education Chongqing 400030 China .,Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education Chongqing 400030 China .,Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
| | - Qian Fu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education Chongqing 400030 China .,Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
| | - Rong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education Chongqing 400030 China .,Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
| | - Qiang Liao
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education Chongqing 400030 China .,Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education Chongqing 400030 China .,Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
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15
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Li M, Zhou M, Tian X, Tan C, McDaniel CT, Hassett DJ, Gu T. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) power performance improvement through enhanced microbial electrogenicity. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:1316-1327. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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16
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Javed MM, Nisar MA, Ahmad MU, Yasmeen N, Zahoor S. Microbial fuel cells as an alternative energy source: current status. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2018; 34:216-242. [PMID: 29929427 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2018.1482108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology is an emerging area for alternative renewable energy generation and it offers additional opportunities for environmental bioremediation. Recent scientific studies have focused on MFC reactor design as well as reactor operations to increase energy output. The advancement in alternative MFC models and their performance in recent years reflect the interests of scientific community to exploit this technology for wider practical applications and environmental benefit. This is reflected in the diversity of the substrates available for use in MFCs at an economically viable level. This review provides an overview of the commonly used MFC designs and materials along with the basic operating parameters that have been developed in recent years. Still, many limitations and challenges exist for MFC development that needs to be further addressed to make them economically feasible for general use. These include continued improvements in fuel cell design and efficiency as well scale-up with economically practical applications tailored to local needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nighat Yasmeen
- c Division of Science and Technology , Education University , Lahore , Pakistan
| | - Sana Zahoor
- a Department of Biotechnology , Virtual University of Pakistan , Lahore , Pakistan
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17
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Pang S, Gao Y, Choi S. Flexible and stretchable microbial fuel cells with modified conductive and hydrophilic textile. Biosens Bioelectron 2018; 100:504-511. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2017.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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18
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19
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A screen-printed paper microbial fuel cell biosensor for detection of toxic compounds in water. Biosens Bioelectron 2017; 102:49-56. [PMID: 29121559 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2017.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Access to safe drinking water is a human right, crucial to combat inequalities, reduce poverty and allow sustainable development. In many areas of the world, however, this right is not guaranteed, in part because of the lack of easily deployable diagnostic tools. Low-cost and simple methods to test water supplies onsite can protect vulnerable communities from the impact of contaminants in drinking water. Ideally such devices would also be easy to dispose of so as to leave no trace, or have a detrimental effect on the environment. To this aim, we here report the first paper microbial fuel cell (pMFC) fabricated by screen-printing biodegradable carbon-based electrodes onto a single sheet of paper, and demonstrate its use as a shock sensor for bioactive compounds (e.g. formaldehyde) in water. We also show a simple route to enhance the sensor performance by folding back-to-back two pMFCs electrically connected in parallel. This promising proof of concept work can lead to a revolutionizing way of testing water at point of use, which is not only green, easy-to-operate and rapid, but is also affordable to all.
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20
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Reshma L, Chaitanyakumar A, Aditya A, Ramaraj B, Santhakumar K. Modeling of microfluidic bio-solar cell using microalgae through multiphysics platform: A greener approach en route for energy production. ALGAL RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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21
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Hindatu Y, Annuar MSM, Subramaniam R, Gumel AM. Medium-chain-length poly-3-hydroxyalkanoates-carbon nanotubes composite anode enhances the performance of microbial fuel cell. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2017; 40:919-928. [PMID: 28341913 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-017-1756-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Insufficient power generation from a microbial fuel cell (MFC) hampers its progress towards utility-scale development. Electrode modification with biopolymeric materials could potentially address this issue. In this study, medium-chain-length poly-3-hydroxyalkanoates (PHA)/carbon nanotubes (C) composite (CPHA) was successfully applied to modify the surface of carbon cloth (CC) anode in MFC. Characterization of the functional groups on the anodic surface and its morphology was carried out. The CC-CPHA composite anode recorded maximum power density of 254 mW/m2, which was 15-53% higher than the MFC operated with CC-C (214 mW/m2) and pristine CC (119 mW/m2) as the anode in a double-chambered MFC operated with Escherichia coli as the biocatalyst. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry showed that power enhancement was attributed to better electron transfer capability by the bacteria for the MFC setup with CC-CPHA anode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Hindatu
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Bauchi State University, P.M.B. 65, Gadau, Bauchi State, Nigeria
| | - M S M Annuar
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - R Subramaniam
- Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, Center for Ionics University of Malaya, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A M Gumel
- Faculty of Science, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Federal University Dutse, 7156, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria
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22
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Chouler J, Bentley I, Vaz F, O’Fee A, Cameron PJ, Di Lorenzo M. Exploring the use of cost-effective membrane materials for Microbial Fuel Cell based sensors. Electrochim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.01.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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23
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Effect of temperature on a miniaturized microbial fuel cell (MFC). MICRO AND NANO SYSTEMS LETTERS 2017. [DOI: 10.1186/s40486-017-0048-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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24
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Christwardana M, Kwon Y. Yeast and carbon nanotube based biocatalyst developed by synergetic effects of covalent bonding and hydrophobic interaction for performance enhancement of membraneless microbial fuel cell. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 225:175-182. [PMID: 27889476 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Membraneless microbial fuel cell (MFC) employing new microbial catalyst formed as yeast cultivated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and carbon nanotube (yeast/CNT) is suggested. To analyze its catalytic activity and performance and stability of MFC, several characterizations are performed. According to the characterizations, the catalyst shows excellent catalytic activities by facile transfer of electrons via reactions of NAD, FAD, cytochrome c and cytochrome a3, while it induces high maximum power density (MPD) (344mW·m-2). It implies that adoption of yeast induces increases in catalytic activity and MFC performance. Furthermore, MPD is maintained to 86% of initial value even after eight days, showing excellent MFC stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelinus Christwardana
- Graduate School of Energy and Environment, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, 232 Gongneung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-743, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongchai Kwon
- Graduate School of Energy and Environment, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, 232 Gongneung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-743, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Jiang H, Ali MA, Xu Z, Halverson LJ, Dong L. Integrated Microfluidic Flow-Through Microbial Fuel Cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41208. [PMID: 28120875 PMCID: PMC5264610 DOI: 10.1038/srep41208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reports on a miniaturized microbial fuel cell with a microfluidic flow-through configuration: a porous anolyte chamber is formed by filling a microfluidic chamber with three-dimensional graphene foam as anode, allowing nutritional medium to flow through the chamber to intimately interact with the colonized microbes on the scaffolds of the anode. No nutritional media flow over the anode. This allows sustaining high levels of nutrient utilization, minimizing consumption of nutritional substrates, and reducing response time of electricity generation owing to fast mass transport through pressure-driven flow and rapid diffusion of nutrients within the anode. The device provides a volume power density of 745 μW/cm3 and a surface power density of 89.4 μW/cm2 using Shewanella oneidensis as a model biocatalyst without any optimization of bacterial culture. The medium consumption and the response time of the flow-through device are reduced by 16.4 times and 4.2 times, respectively, compared to the non-flow-through counterpart with its freeway space volume six times the volume of graphene foam anode. The graphene foam enabled microfluidic flow-through approach will allow efficient microbial conversion of carbon-containing bioconvertible substrates to electricity with smaller space, less medium consumption, and shorter start-up time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Jiang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Md Azahar Ali
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Zhen Xu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Larry J Halverson
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Liang Dong
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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26
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Fraiwan A, Choi S. A stackable, two-chambered, paper-based microbial fuel cell. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 83:27-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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27
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Safdar M, Jänis J, Sánchez S. Microfluidic fuel cells for energy generation. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:2754-8. [PMID: 27367869 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc90070d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable energy generation is of recent interest due to a growing energy demand across the globe and increasing environmental issues caused by conventional non-renewable means of power generation. In the context of microsystems, portable electronics and lab-on-a-chip based (bio)chemical sensors would essentially require fully integrated, reliable means of power generation. Microfluidic-based fuel cells can offer unique advantages compared to conventional fuel cells such as high surface area-to-volume ratio, ease of integration, cost effectiveness and portability. Here, we summarize recent developments which utilize the potential of microfluidic devices for energy generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Safdar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Eastern Finland, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland.
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28
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Yang Y, Liu T, Zhu X, Zhang F, Ye D, Liao Q, Li Y. Boosting Power Density of Microbial Fuel Cells with 3D Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Aerogel Electrode. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2016; 3:1600097. [PMID: 27818911 PMCID: PMC5074258 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201600097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
A 3D nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel (N-GA) as an anode material for microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is reported. Electron microscopy images reveal that the N-GA possesses hierarchical porous structure that allows efficient diffusion of both bacterial cells and electron mediators in the interior space of 3D electrode, and thus, the colonization of bacterial communities. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements further show that nitrogen doping considerably reduces the charge transfer resistance and internal resistance of GA, which helps to enhance the MFC power density. Importantly, the dual-chamber milliliter-scale MFC with N-GA anode yields an outstanding volumetric power density of 225 ± 12 W m-3 normalized to the total volume of the anodic chamber (750 ± 40 W m-3 normalized to the volume of the anode). These power densities are the highest values report for milliliter-scale MFCs with similar chamber size (25 mL) under the similar measurement conditions. The 3D N-GA electrode shows great promise for improving the power generation of MFC devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems Institute of Engineering Thermophysics Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 P.R. China; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
| | - Tianyu Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
| | - Xun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems Institute of Engineering Thermophysics Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 P.R. China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Technology in Environmental Protection of Jiangsu Province Yancheng Institute of Technology Yancheng 224051 P.R. China
| | - Dingding Ye
- Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems Institute of Engineering Thermophysics Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 P.R. China
| | - Qiang Liao
- Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems Institute of Engineering Thermophysics Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 P.R. China
| | - Yat Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
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29
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Biosensoric potential of microbial fuel cells. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:7001-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7707-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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30
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Lee SH, Ban JY, Oh CH, Park HK, Choi S. A solvent-free microbial-activated air cathode battery paper platform made with pencil-traced graphite electrodes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28588. [PMID: 27333815 PMCID: PMC4917852 DOI: 10.1038/srep28588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the fabrication of an ultra-low cost, disposable, solvent-free air cathode all-paper microbial fuel cell (MFC) that does not utilize any chemical treatments. The anode and cathode were fabricated by depositing graphite particles by drawing them on paper with a pencil (four strokes). Hydrophobic parchment paper was used as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) to allow only H+ to pass. Air cathode MFC technology, where O2 was used as an electron acceptor, was implemented on the paper platform. The bioelectric current was generated by an electrochemical process involving the redox couple of microbial-activated extracellular electron transferred electrons, PEM-passed H+, and O2 in the cathode. A fully micro-integrated pencil-traced MFC showed a fast start-time, producing current within 10 s after injection of bacterial cells. A single miniaturized all-paper air cathode MFC generated a maximum potential of 300 mV and a maximum current of 11 μA during 100 min after a single injection of Shewanella oneidensis. The micro-fabricated solvent-free air cathode all-paper MFC generated a power of 2,270 nW (5.68 mW/m2). The proposed solvent-free air cathode paper-based MFC device could be used for environmentally-friendly energy storage as well as in single-use medical power supplies that use organic matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Ho Lee
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Ju Yeon Ban
- Department of Medical Laser, Graduate School, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Chung-Hun Oh
- Department of Medical Laser, Graduate School, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Hun-Kuk Park
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Samjin Choi
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
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31
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Ren H, Tian H, Gardner CL, Ren TL, Chae J. A miniaturized microbial fuel cell with three-dimensional graphene macroporous scaffold anode demonstrating a record power density of over 10,000 W m(-3) . NANOSCALE 2016; 8:3539-47. [PMID: 26804041 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr07267k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a bio-inspired renewable energy converter which directly converts biomass into electricity. This is accomplished via the unique extracellular electron transfer (EET) of a specific species of microbe called the exoelectrogen. Many studies have attempted to improve the power density of MFCs, yet the reported power density is still nearly two orders of magnitude lower than other power sources/converters. Such a low performance can primarily be attributed to two bottlenecks: (i) ineffective electron transfer from microbes located far from the anode and (ii) an insufficient buffer supply to the biofilm. This work takes a novel approach to mitigate these two bottlenecks by integrating a three-dimensional (3D) macroporous graphene scaffold anode in a miniaturized MFC. This implementation has delivered the highest power density reported to date in all MFCs of over 10,000 W m(-3). The miniaturized configuration offers a high surface area to volume ratio and improved mass transfer of biomass and buffers. The 3D graphene macroporous scaffold warrants investigation due to its high specific surface area, high porosity, and excellent conductivity and biocompatibility which facilitates EET and alleviates acidification in the biofilm. Consequently, the 3D scaffold houses an extremely thick and dense biofilm from the Geobacter-enriched culture, delivering an areal/volumetric current density of 15.51 A m(-2)/31,040 A m(-3) and a power density of 5.61 W m(-2)/11,220 W m(-3), a 3.3 fold increase when compared to its planar two-dimensional (2D) control counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ren
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
| | - He Tian
- Institute of Microelectronics & Tsinghua National Laboratory for Information Science and Technology (TNList), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 10084, P. R. China.
| | - Cameron L Gardner
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Tian-Ling Ren
- Institute of Microelectronics & Tsinghua National Laboratory for Information Science and Technology (TNList), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 10084, P. R. China.
| | - Junseok Chae
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
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32
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Chouler J, Padgett GA, Cameron PJ, Preuss K, Titirici MM, Ieropoulos I, Di Lorenzo M. Towards effective small scale microbial fuel cells for energy generation from urine. Electrochim Acta 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.01.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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33
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Chen S, Chen X, Hou S, Xiong P, Xiong Y, Zhang F, Yu H, Liu G, Tian Y. A gold microarray electrode on a poly(methylmethacrylate) substrate to improve the performance of microbial fuel cells by modifying biofilm formation. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra22152a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A gold line microarray anode deposited on PMMA substrate could significantly form effective biofilm to improve the performance of MFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Chen
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory
- University of Science and Technology of China
- Hefei
- People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyu Chen
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory
- University of Science and Technology of China
- Hefei
- People's Republic of China
- Department of Precision Machinery & Precision Instrumentation
| | - Shuangyue Hou
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory
- University of Science and Technology of China
- Hefei
- People's Republic of China
| | - Penghui Xiong
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory
- University of Science and Technology of China
- Hefei
- People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Xiong
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory
- University of Science and Technology of China
- Hefei
- People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Science & Technology of China
- Hefei
- People's Republic of China
| | - Hanqing Yu
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Science & Technology of China
- Hefei
- People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Liu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory
- University of Science and Technology of China
- Hefei
- People's Republic of China
| | - Yangchao Tian
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory
- University of Science and Technology of China
- Hefei
- People's Republic of China
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34
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Zhao S, Li Y, Yin H, Liu Z, Luan E, Zhao F, Tang Z, Liu S. Three-dimensional graphene/Pt nanoparticle composites as freestanding anode for enhancing performance of microbial fuel cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2015; 1:e1500372. [PMID: 26702430 PMCID: PMC4681333 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1500372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are able to directly convert about 50 to 90% of energy from oxidation of organic matters in waste to electricity and have great potential application in broad fields such as wastewater treatment. Unfortunately, the power density of the MFCs at present is significantly lower than the theoretical value because of technical limitations including low bacteria loading capacity and difficult electron transfer between the bacteria and the electrode. We reported a three-dimensional (3D) graphene aerogel (GA) decorated with platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) as an efficient freestanding anode for MFCs. The 3D GA/Pt-based anode has a continuous 3D macroporous structure that is favorable for microorganism immobilization and efficient electrolyte transport. Moreover, GA scaffold is homogenously decorated with Pt NPs to further enhance extracellular charge transfer between the bacteria and the anode. The MFCs constructed with 3D GA/Pt-based anode generate a remarkable maximum power density of 1460 mW/m(2), 5.3 times higher than that based on carbon cloth (273 mW/m(2)). It deserves to be stressed that 1460 mW/m(2) obtained from the GA/Pt anode shows the superior performance among all the reported MFCs inoculated with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. Moreover, as a demonstration of the real application, the MFC equipped with the freestanding GA/Pt anode has been successfully applied in driving timer for the first time, which opens the avenue toward the real application of the MFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (Harbin Institute of Technology), Harbin 150080, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yuchen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (Harbin Institute of Technology), Harbin 150080, China
| | - Huajie Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Zhouzhou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (Harbin Institute of Technology), Harbin 150080, China
| | - Enxiao Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (Harbin Institute of Technology), Harbin 150080, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Zhiyong Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shaoqin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (Harbin Institute of Technology), Harbin 150080, China
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Lu M, Qian Y, Huang L, Xie X, Huang W. Improving the Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells through Anode Manipulation. Chempluschem 2015; 80:1216-1225. [DOI: 10.1002/cplu.201500200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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36
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Vigolo D, Al-Housseiny TT, Shen Y, Akinlawon FO, Al-Housseiny ST, Hobson RK, Sahu A, Bedkowski KI, DiChristina TJ, Stone HA. Flow dependent performance of microfluidic microbial fuel cells. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 16:12535-43. [PMID: 24832908 DOI: 10.1039/c4cp01086h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The integration of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) in a microfluidic geometry can significantly enhance the power density of these cells, which would have more active bacteria per unit volume. Moreover, microfluidic MFCs can be operated in a continuous mode as opposed to the traditional batch-fed mode. Here we investigate the effect of fluid flow on the performance of microfluidic MFCs. The growth and the structure of the bacterial biofilm depend to a large extent on the shear stress of the flow. We report the existence of a range of flow rates for which MFCs can achieve maximum voltage output. When operated under these optimal conditions, the power density of our microfluidic MFC is about 15 times that of a similar-size batch MFC. Furthermore, this optimum suggests a correlation between the behaviour of bacteria and fluid flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Vigolo
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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37
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Microscale microbial fuel cells: Advances and challenges. Biosens Bioelectron 2015; 69:8-25. [PMID: 25703724 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The next generation of sustainable energy could come from microorganisms; evidence that it can be seen with the given rise of Electromicrobiology, the study of microorganisms' electrical properties. Many recent advances in electromicrobiology stem from studying microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which are gaining acceptance as a future alternative "green" energy technology and energy-efficient wastewater treatment method. MFCs are powered by living microorganisms with clean and sustainable features; they efficiently catalyse the degradation of a broad range of organic substrates under natural conditions. There is also increasing interest in photosynthetic MFCs designed to harness Earth's most abundant and promising energy source (solar irradiation). Despite their vast potential and promise, however, MFCs and photosynthetic MFCs have not yet successfully translated into commercial applications because they demonstrate persistent performance limitations and bottlenecks associated with scaling up. Instead, microscale MFCs have received increasing attention as a unique platform for various applications such as powering small portable electronic elements in remote locations, performing fundamental studies of microorganisms, screening bacterial strains, and toxicity detection in water. Furthermore, the stacking of miniaturized MFCs has been demonstrated to offer larger power densities than a single macroscale MFC in terms of scaling up. In this overview, we discuss recent achievements in microscale MFCs as well as their potential applications. Further scientific and technological challenges are also reviewed.
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38
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Lee H, Choi S. A micro-sized bio-solar cell for self-sustaining power generation. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:391-398. [PMID: 25367739 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc01069h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Self-sustainable energy sources are essential for a wide array of wireless applications deployed in remote field locations. Due to their self-assembling and self-repairing properties, "biological solar (bio-solar) cells" are recently gaining attention for those applications. The bio-solar cell can continuously generate electricity from microbial photosynthetic and respiratory activities under day-night cycles. Despite the vast potential and promise of bio-solar cells, they, however, have not yet successfully been translated into commercial applications, as they possess persistent performance limitations and scale-up bottlenecks. Here, we report an entirely self-sustainable and scalable microliter-sized bio-solar cell with significant power enhancement by maximizing solar energy capture, bacterial attachment, and air bubble volume in well-controlled microchambers. The bio-solar cell has a ~300 μL single chamber defined by laser-machined poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates and it uses an air cathode to allow freely available oxygen to act as an electron acceptor. We generated a maximum power density of 0.9 mW m(-2) through photosynthetic reactions of cyanobacteria, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, which is the highest power density among all micro-sized bio-solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hankeun Lee
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, State University of New York-Binghamton, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
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39
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Choi G, Hassett DJ, Choi S. A paper-based microbial fuel cell array for rapid and high-throughput screening of electricity-producing bacteria. Analyst 2015; 140:4277-83. [DOI: 10.1039/c5an00492f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this work, a 48-well, paper-based sensing platform was developed for the high-throughput and rapid characterization of the electricity-producing capability of microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gihoon Choi
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
- State University of New York-Binghamton
- Binghamton
- USA
| | - Daniel J. Hassett
- Department of Molecular Genetics
- Biochemistry and Microbiology
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Cincinnati
- USA
| | - Seokheun Choi
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
- State University of New York-Binghamton
- Binghamton
- USA
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40
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Choi G, Choi S. Monitoring electron and proton diffusion flux through three-dimensional, paper-based, variable biofilm and liquid media layers. Analyst 2015; 140:5901-7. [DOI: 10.1039/c5an01200g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
By measuring the current generated from the 3-D paper stack, the electron and proton diffusivity through biofilms were quantitatively investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gihoon Choi
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
- State University of New York-Binghamton
- Binghamton
- USA
| | - Seokheun Choi
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
- State University of New York-Binghamton
- Binghamton
- USA
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41
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Preliminary Investigation of Electricity Production Using Dual Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (DCMFC) with Saccharomyces Cerevisiae as Biocatalyst and Methylene Blue as an Electron Mediator. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.proche.2015.12.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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42
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Microfabricated, continuous-flow, microbial three-electrode cell for potential toxicity detection. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-014-9104-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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43
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Krieg T, Sydow A, Schröder U, Schrader J, Holtmann D. Reactor concepts for bioelectrochemical syntheses and energy conversion. Trends Biotechnol 2014; 32:645-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2014.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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44
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Improved current and power density with a micro-scale microbial fuel cell due to a small characteristic length. Biosens Bioelectron 2014; 61:587-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2014.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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45
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Gao Y, An J, Ryu H, Lee HS. Microbial fuel cells as discontinuous portable power sources: syntropic interactions with anode-respiring bacteria. CHEMSUSCHEM 2014; 7:1026-1029. [PMID: 24574020 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201301085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
For microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to work as portable power sources used in a discontinuous manner, anode-respiring bacteria (ARB) should survive for at least several days in the absence of exogenous electron donors, and immediately generate current upon addition of an electron donor. Here, we proved that biopolymer-accumulating bacteria provide substrate (fuel) for ARB to generate current in lack of exogenous electron donor in 4 days, which allows MFCs to be used as portable power sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaohuan Gao
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1 (Canada)
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46
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Kaneshiro H, Takano K, Takada Y, Wakisaka T, Tachibana T, Azuma M. A milliliter-scale yeast-based fuel cell with high performance. Biochem Eng J 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2013.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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47
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Abstract
Paper-based devices have recently emerged as simple and low-cost paradigms for fluid manipulation and analytical/clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Fraiwan
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
- State University of New York-Binghamton
- Binghamton, USA
| | - Seokheun Choi
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
- State University of New York-Binghamton
- Binghamton, USA
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48
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A paper-based microbial fuel cell: Instant battery for disposable diagnostic devices. Biosens Bioelectron 2013; 49:410-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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49
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Wang HY, Su JY. Membraneless microfluidic microbial fuel cell for rapid detection of electrochemical activity of microorganism. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2013; 145:271-274. [PMID: 23415944 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Revised: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A membraneless microfluidic microbial fuel cell (μMFC) for rapid detection of microorganism electroactivity is demonstrated in this study. Owing to the merit of laminar flow, the proposed μMFC has well-separated anode and cathode without applying proton exchange membrane. The highest open circuit voltages (OCVs) produced by different anodal solutions: fresh medium, inactivated and untreated microflora, were 102, 131, and 246 mV, respectively. These results show that the membraneless μMFC is capable of identifying the electric potential resulting from the imbalanced compositions between two streams (29 mV) and from the electrochemical activity of microflora (115 mV). When samples obtained along a batch cycle of H-type MFC were tested, the membraneless μMFC produced similar OCVs with those from the H-type MFC. In conclusion, the proposed μMFC has comparable abilities in detecting electroactivity with the conventional H-type MFC; moreover, it can distinguish the source of collected electricity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiang-Yu Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
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50
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Mink JE, Hussain MM. Sustainable design of high-performance microsized microbial fuel cell with carbon nanotube anode and air cathode. ACS NANO 2013; 7:6921-6927. [PMID: 23899322 DOI: 10.1021/nn402103q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising alternative energy source that both generates electricity and cleans water. Fueled by liquid wastes such as wastewater or industrial wastes, the microbial fuel cell converts waste into energy. Microsized MFCs are essentially miniature energy harvesters that can be used to power on-chip electronics, lab-on-a-chip devices, and/or sensors. As MFCs are a relatively new technology, microsized MFCs are also an important rapid testing platform for the comparison and introduction of new conditions or materials into macroscale MFCs, especially nanoscale materials that have high potential for enhanced power production. Here we report a 75 μL microsized MFC on silicon using CMOS-compatible processes and employ a novel nanomaterial with exceptional electrochemical properties, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), as the on-chip anode. We used this device to compare the usage of the more commonly used but highly expensive anode material gold, as well as a more inexpensive substitute, nickel. This is the first anode material study done using the most sustainably designed microsized MFC to date, which utilizes ambient oxygen as the electron acceptor with an air cathode instead of the chemical ferricyanide and without a membrane. Ferricyanide is unsustainable, as the chemical must be continuously refilled, while using oxygen, naturally found in air, makes the device mobile and is a key step in commercializing this for portable technology such as lab-on-a-chip for point-of-care diagnostics. At 880 mA/m(2) and 19 mW/m(2) the MWCNT anode outperformed the others in both current and power densities with between 6 and 20 times better performance. All devices were run for over 15 days, indicating a stable and high-endurance energy harvester already capable of producing enough power for ultra-low-power electronics and able to consistently power them over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine E Mink
- Integrated Nanotechnology Lab and Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6300, Saudi Arabia
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