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Mullai P, Vishali S, Sambavi SM, Dharmalingam K, Yogeswari MK, Vadivel Raja VC, Bharathiraja B, Bayar B, Abubackar HN, Al Noman MA, Rene ER. Energy generation from bioelectrochemical techniques: Concepts, reactor configurations and modeling approaches. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 342:139950. [PMID: 37648163 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139950] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The process industries play a significant role in boosting the economy of any nation. However, poor management in several industries has been posing worrisome threats to an environment that was previously immaculate. As a result, the untreated waste and wastewater discarded by many industries contain abundant organic matter and other toxic chemicals. It is more likely that they disrupt the proper functioning of the water bodies by perturbing the sustenance of many species of flora and fauna occupying the different trophic levels. The simultaneous threats to human health and the environment, as well as the global energy problem, have encouraged a number of nations to work on the development of renewable energy sources. Hence, bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) have attracted the attention of several stakeholders throughout the world on many counts. The bioelectricity generated from BESs has been recognized as a clean fuel. Besides, this technology has advantages such as the direct conversion of substrate to electricity, and efficient operation at ambient and even low temperatures. An overview of the BESs, its important operating parameters, bioremediation of industrial waste and wastewaters, biodegradation kinetics, and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling to describe substrate removal/elimination and energy production of the BESs are discussed. When considering the potential for use in the industrial sector, certain technical issues of BES design and the principal microorganisms/biocatalysts involved in the degradation of waste are also highlighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mullai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - S Vishali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Engineering, Kattankulathur, 603 203, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - S M Sambavi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Energy Engineering with Industrial Management, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
| | - K Dharmalingam
- Department of Biotechnology, Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, Gandipet, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - M K Yogeswari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - V C Vadivel Raja
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - B Bharathiraja
- Vel Tech High Tech Dr. Rangarajan Dr.Sakunthala Engineering College, Chennai, 600062, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Büşra Bayar
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - Haris Nalakath Abubackar
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - Md Abdullah Al Noman
- Department of Water Supply, Sanitation and Environmental Engineering, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611AX, Delft, the Netherlands.
| | - Eldon R Rene
- Department of Water Supply, Sanitation and Environmental Engineering, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611AX, Delft, the Netherlands.
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Bazina N, Ahmed TG, Almdaaf M, Jibia S, Sarker M. Power generation from wastewater using microbial fuel cells: A review. J Biotechnol 2023; 374:17-30. [PMID: 37482251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
As the world grapples with an imminent energy crisis brought on by the depletion of nonrenewable resources, such as petroleum, the necessity for alternative and eco-friendly power sources becomes increasingly apparent. In this regard harnessing knowledge gained from natural microorganisms to produce electricity using economical substrates is a promising solution through microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Microbial fuel cells leverage microbes' catabolic abilities to break down organic matter and release electrons that are subsequently transported across an external circuit for electricity generation. This article delves into the fundamental components involved in MFC construction and explores crucial factors that impact their performance including substrate oxidation, electron transfer, and internal resistance. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive analysis of existing microbial fuel cell designs while highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. Finally, the article showcases cost-effective MFC models based on thorough studies conducted worldwide while illuminating potential practical applications of this renewable energy technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naser Bazina
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK; Libyan Biotechnology Research Centre, Tripoli, Libya.
| | - Tariq G Ahmed
- School of Computing Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.
| | - Mostafa Almdaaf
- Department of medicinal chemistry, Faculty of pharmacy, Elmergib University, Alkhoms, Libya
| | | | - Mosh Sarker
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
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Lovecchio N, Di Meo V, Pietrelli A. Customized Multichannel Measurement System for Microbial Fuel Cell Characterization. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10050624. [PMID: 37237694 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10050624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This work presents the development of an automatic and customized measuring system employing sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters and transimpedance amplifiers for precise measurements of voltage and current signals generated by microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The system can perform multi-step discharge protocols to accurately measure the power output of MFCs, and has been calibrated to ensure high precision and low noise measurements. One of the key features of the proposed measuring system is its ability to conduct long-term measurements with variable time steps. Moreover, it is portable and cost-effective, making it ideal for use in laboratories without sophisticated bench instrumentation. The system is expandable, ranging from 2 to 12 channels by adding dual-channel boards, which allows for testing of multiple MFCs simultaneously. The functionality of the system was tested using a six-channel setup, and the results demonstrated its ability to detect and distinguish current signals from different MFCs with varying output characteristics. The power measurements obtained using the system also allow for the determination of the output resistance of the MFCs being tested. Overall, the developed measuring system is a useful tool for characterizing the performance of MFCs, and can be helpful in the optimization and development of sustainable energy production technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lovecchio
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Meo
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, National Research Council of Italy, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Pietrelli
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, CNRS, Ampere, UMR5505, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
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Testa D, Zuccante G, Muhyuddin M, Landone R, Scommegna A, Lorenzi R, Acciarri M, Petri E, Soavi F, Poggini L, Capozzoli L, Lavacchi A, Lamanna N, Franzetti A, Zoia L, Santoro C. Giving New Life to Waste Cigarette Butts: Transformation into Platinum Group Metal-Free Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Acid, Neutral and Alkaline Environment. Catalysts 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/catal13030635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the core theme of a circular economy, a novel strategy to upcycle cigarette butt waste into platinum group metal (PGM)-free metal nitrogen carbon (M-N-C) electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is presented. The experimental route was composed of (i) the transformation of the powdered cigarette butts into carbonaceous char via pyrolysis at 450 °C, 600 °C, 750 °C and 900 °C, (ii) the porosity activation with KOH and (iii) the functionalization of the activated chars with iron (II) phthalocyanine (FePc). The electrochemical outcomes obtained by the rotating disk electrode (RRDE) technique revealed that the sample pyrolyzed at 450 °C (i.e., cig_450) outperformed the other counterparts with its highest onset (Eon) and half-wave potentials (E1/2) and demonstrated nearly tetra-electronic ORR in acidic, neutral and alkaline electrolytes, all resulting from the optimal surface chemistry and textural properties.
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Tarasov S, Plekhanova Y, Kashin V, Gotovtsev P, Signore MA, Francioso L, Kolesov V, Reshetilov A. Gluconobacter Oxydans-Based MFC with PEDOT:PSS/Graphene/Nafion Bioanode for Wastewater Treatment. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12090699. [PMID: 36140084 PMCID: PMC9496339 DOI: 10.3390/bios12090699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a variety of bioelectrocatalytic devices that utilize the metabolism of microorganisms to generate electric energy from organic matter. This study investigates the possibility of using a novel PEDOT:PSS/graphene/Nafion composite in combination with acetic acid bacteria Gluconobacter oxydans to create a pure culture MFC capable of effective municipal wastewater treatment. The developed MFC was shown to maintain its activity for at least three weeks. The level of COD in municipal wastewater treatment was reduced by 32%; the generated power was up to 81 mW/m2 with a Coulomb efficiency of 40%. Combining the MFC with a DC/DC boost converter increased the voltage generated by two series-connected MFCs from 0.55 mV to 3.2 V. A maximum efficiency was achieved on day 8 of MFC operation and was maintained for a week; capacitors of 6800 µF capacity were fully charged in ~7 min. Thus, G. oxydans cells can become an important part of microbial consortia in MFCs used for treatment of wastewaters with reduced pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Tarasov
- G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Pushchino Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow Region, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Yulia Plekhanova
- G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Pushchino Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow Region, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Vadim Kashin
- FSBIS V.A. Kotelnikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 125009 Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel Gotovtsev
- Biotechnology and Bioenergy Department, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Moscow Region, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Maria Assunta Signore
- CNR IMM, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Luca Francioso
- CNR IMM, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Vladimir Kolesov
- FSBIS V.A. Kotelnikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 125009 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anatoly Reshetilov
- G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Pushchino Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow Region, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
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Microorganisms as New Sources of Energy. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15176365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of fossil energy sources has a negative impact on the economic and socio-political stability of specific regions and countries, causing environmental changes due to the emission of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the stocks of mineral energy are limited, causing the demand for new types and forms of energy. Biomass is a renewable energy source and represents an alternative to fossil energy sources. Microorganisms produce energy from the substrate and biomass, i.e., from substances in the microenvironment, to maintain their metabolism and life. However, specialized microorganisms also produce specific metabolites under almost abiotic circumstances that often do not have the immediate task of sustaining their own lives. This paper presents the action of biogenic and biogenic–thermogenic microorganisms, which produce methane, alcohols, lipids, triglycerides, and hydrogen, thus often creating renewable energy from waste biomass. Furthermore, some microorganisms acquire new or improved properties through genetic interventions for producing significant amounts of energy. In this way, they clean the environment and can consume greenhouse gases. Particularly suitable are blue-green algae or cyanobacteria but also some otherwise pathogenic microorganisms (E. coli, Klebsiella, and others), as well as many other specialized microorganisms that show an incredible ability to adapt. Microorganisms can change the current paradigm, energy–environment, and open up countless opportunities for producing new energy sources, especially hydrogen, which is an ideal energy source for all systems (biological, physical, technological). Developing such energy production technologies can significantly change the already achieved critical level of greenhouse gases that significantly affect the climate.
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Organic Waste Substrates for Bioenergy Production via Microbial Fuel Cells: A Key Point Review. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15155616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
High-energy consumption globally has raised questions about the low environmentally friendly and high-cost processes used until now for energy production. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) may support alternative more economically and environmentally favorable ways of bioenergy production based on their advantage of using waste. MFCs work as bio-electrochemical devices that consume organic substrates in order for the electrogenic bacteria and/or enzyme cultures to produce electricity and simultaneously lower the environmental hazardous value of waste such as COD. The utilization of organic waste as fuels in MFCs has opened a new research path for testing a variety of by-products from several industry sectors. This review presents several organic waste substrates that can be employed as fuels in MFCs for bioenergy generation and the effect of their usage on power density, COD (chemical oxygen demand) removal, and Coulombic efficiency enhancement. Moreover, a demonstration and comparison of the different types of mixed waste regarding their efficiency for energy generation via MFCs are presented. Future perspectives for manufacturing and cost analysis plans can support scale-up processes fulfilling waste-treatment efficiency and energy-output densities.
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Al‐Asheh S, Bagheri M, Aidan A. Removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater using microbial fuel cell. Eng Life Sci 2022; 22:535-549. [PMID: 35936070 PMCID: PMC9349137 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202200009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Removal efficiency of gold from a solution of pure tetrachloroaurate ions was investigated using microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. The effects of type of catholyte solution and initial gold concentration on the removal efficiency were considered. Due to its presence at high levels in the gold wastewater, the effect of copper ions on the removal efficiency of the gold ions was also studied. The effects of pH and initial biomass concentration on the gold removal efficiency was also determined. The results showed that after 5 h contact time, 95% of gold removal efficiency from a wastewater containing 250 ppm of initial gold ions at ambient temperature using 80 g/L yeast concentration was achieved. After 48 h of the cell's operation under the same condition, 98.86% of AuCl4– ions were successfully removed from the solution. At initial gold concentration in the waste solution of 250 ppm, pH 2, and initial yeast concentration of 80 g/L, 100% removal efficiency of the gold was achieved. On the other hand, the most suitable condition for copper removal was found at a pH of 5.2, where 53% removal efficiency from the waste solution was accomplished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Al‐Asheh
- Department of Chemical Engineering American University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE
| | - Marzieh Bagheri
- Department of Chemical Engineering American University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE
| | - Ahmad Aidan
- Department of Chemical Engineering American University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE
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Borja-Maldonado F, López Zavala MÁ. Contribution of configurations, electrode and membrane materials, electron transfer mechanisms, and cost of components on the current and future development of microbial fuel cells. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09849. [PMID: 35855980 PMCID: PMC9287189 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a technology that can be applied to both the wastewater treatment and bioenergy generation. This work discusses the contribution of improvements regarding the configurations, electrode materials, membrane materials, electron transfer mechanisms, and materials cost on the current and future development of MFCs. Analysis of the most recent scientific publications on the field denotes that dual-chamber MFCs configuration offers the greatest potential due to the excellent ability to be adapted to different operating environments. Carbon-based materials show the best performance, biocompatibility of carbon-brush anode favors the formation of the biofilm in a mixed consortium and in wastewater as a substrate resembles the conditions of real scenarios. Carbon-cloth cathode modified with nanotechnology favors the conductive properties of the electrode. Ceramic clay membranes emerge as an interesting low-cost membrane with a proton conductivity of 0.0817 S cm-1, close to that obtained with the Nafion membrane. The use of nanotechnology in the electrodes also enhances electron transfer in MFCs. It increases the active sites at the anode and improves the interface with microorganisms. At the cathode, it favors its catalytic properties and the oxygen reduction reaction. These features together favor MFCs performance through energy production and substrate degradation with values above 2.0 W m-2 and 90% respectively. All the recent advances in MFCs are gradually contributing to enable technological alternatives that, in addition to wastewater treatment, generate energy in a sustainable manner. It is important to continue the research efforts worldwide to make MFCs an available and affordable technology for industry and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Borja-Maldonado
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849, N.L., Mexico
| | - Miguel Ángel López Zavala
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849, N.L., Mexico
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