In view of the increased consumption of energy due to the proliferation of electronic devices, this book addresses the trends, similarities, differences and advances in fuel cells of both chemical and biological composition. Fundamentals of microbial fuel cells are described, accompanied by details surrounding their uses and limitations. Chapters on electricigens, microbial group investigations and performance, Rumen Fluid microbes and state-of-the-art advances in microbial fuel cell technology are discussed. The book elaborates upon analytical techniques used for biofilm characterization. It also includes chapters on MFC models that include plant-based MFCs, Algal/Fungi MFCs, MDCs and MFCs using animal waste. A critical review on the performance of MFC technology in field trials is offered in an exclusively dedicated section. By addressing one of the most promising sources for clean and renewable energy, this book fills a pressing need to understand a possible solution for meeting the energy demands in our highly advanced technical world.
This book represents a novel attempt to describe microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as a renewable energy source derived from organic wastes. Bioelectricity is usually produced through MFCs in oxygen-deficient environments, where a series of microorganisms convert the complex wastes into electrons via liquefaction through a cascade of enzymes in a bioelectrochemical process. The book provides a detailed description of MFC technologies and their applications, along with the theories underlying the electron transfer mechanisms, the biochemistry and the microbiology involved, and the material characteristics of the anode, cathode and separator. It is intended for a broad audience, mainly undergraduates, postgraduates, energy researchers, scientists working in industry and at research organizations, energy specialists, policymakers, and anyone else interested in the latest developments concerning MFCs.
The rapid growth of global energy consumption and simultaneous waste discharge requires more sustainable energy production and waste disposal/recovery technology. In this respect, microbial fuel cell and bioelectrochemical systems have been highlighted to provide a platform for waste-to-energy and cost-efficient treatment. Microbial fuel cell technology has also contributed to both academia and industry through the development of breakthrough sustainable technologies, enabling cross- and multi-disciplinary approaches in microbiology, biotechnology, electrochemistry, and bioprocess engineering. To further spread these technologies and to help the implementation of microbial fuel cells, this Special Issue, entitled “Microbial Fuel Cells 2018”, was proposed for the international journal Energies. This Special Issue mainly covers original research and studies related to the above-mentioned topic, including, but not limited to, bioelectricity generation, microbial electrochemistry, useful resource recovery, system and process design, and the implementation of microbial fuel cells.
Microbial Electrochemical and Fuel Cells: Fundamentals and Applications contains the most updated information on bio-electrical systems and their ability to drive an electrical current by mimicking bacterial interactions found in nature to produce a small amount of power. One of the most promising features of the microbial fuel cell is its application to generate power from wastewater, and its use in the treatment of water to remove contaminants, making it a very sustainable source of power generation that can feasibly find application in rural areas where providing more conventional sources of power is often difficult. The book explores, in detail, both the technical aspects and applications of this technology, and was written by an international team of experts in the field who provide an introduction to microbial fuel cells that looks at their electrochemical principles and mechanisms, explains the materials that can be used for the various sections of the fuel cells, including cathode and anode materials, and provides key analysis of microbial fuel cell performance looking at their usage in hydrogen production, waste treatment, and sensors, amongst other applications. Includes coverage of the types and principles of electrochemical cells Provides information on the construction of fuel cells and appropriate materials Presents the latest on this renewable source of energy and the process for the treatment of waste water
The theory, design, construction, and operation of microbial fuel cells Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), devices in which bacteria create electrical power by oxidizing simple compounds such as glucose or complex organic matter in wastewater, represent a new and promising approach for generating power. Not only do MFCs clean wastewater, but they also convert organics in these wastewaters into usable energy. Given the world's limited supply of fossil fuels and fossil fuels' impact on climate change, MFC technology's ability to create renewable, carbon-neutral energy has generated tremendous interest around the world. This timely book is the first dedicated to MFCs. It not only serves as an introduction to the theory underlying the development and functioning of MFCs, it also serves as a manual for ongoing research. In addition, author Bruce Logan, a leading pioneer in MFC research and development, provides practical guidance for the effective design and operation of MFCs based on his own firsthand experience. This reference covers everything you need to fully understand MFCs, including: * Key topics such as voltage and power generation, MFC materials and architecture, mass transfer to bacteria and biofilms, bioreactor design, and fundamentals of electron transfer * Applications across a wide variety of scales, from power generation in the laboratory to approaches for using MFCs for wastewater treatment * The role of MFCs in the climate change debate * Detailed illustrations of bacterial and electrochemical concepts * Charts, graphs, and tables summarizing key design and operation variables * Practice problems and step-by-step examples Microbial Fuel Cells, with its easy-to-follow explanations, is recommended as both a textbook for students and professionals interested in entering the field and as a complete reference for more experienced practitioners.
electricity can be produce by degradation of organic matter in a microbial fuel cell.m f cs have a number of potential uses.the must readily apparent is harvesting electricity produced for uses as a power source. the use of m f c is attractive for application that required only low power.Virtually any organic matter could be used to feed m f c, including coupling cells to waste water treatment plants.Bacteria would consume waste material from water and produce supplementary power for the plant.the gains to be made for doing this are the M F Cs are very clean and efficient method for energy production. chemical processing waste water and designed synthetic waste water have been used to produce bio electricity in dual and single chamber mediator-less m f cs(non coated graphite electrodes)apart from waste water treatment.m f c can be used as use the measure to measure the solute concentration of waste water (i.e.as a bio sensor system). A number of companies have emerged to commercialize m f cs.these companies has attempted to tap into both the remediation and electricity generating aspects of the technologies
There is an increasing interest in alternative energy sources as the fossil fuel reserves like petroleum, charcoal and natural gas are limited and utilization of these fuels creates environmental pollution. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a new form of renewable energy technology that can generate electricity from what would otherwise be considered waste. In an MFC, bacteria are separated from a terminal electron acceptor at the cathode so that the only means for respiration is to transfer electrons to the anode thus converting chemical energy to electrical energy by the catalytic reaction of microorganisms. There has been a growing interest worldwide on MFC as it utilizes biowaste for power generation and reduces environmental pollution. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to generate electricity from MFC by utilizing different biowastes such as fresh cow dung, kitchen drain water and wastewater. A mathematical model based on the data collected has been developed to express voltage generated with respect to time. It has been found that for any biowaste whatsoever, voltage generated in an MFC is a linear function of time with a negative slope.
Microbial fuel cells are very promising as renewable energy sources. They are based on the direct conversion of organic or inorganic materials to electricity by utilizing microorganisms as catalysts. These cells are well suited for applications that require only low power, e.g. ultracapacitors, toys, electronic gadgets, meteorological buoys, remote sensors, digital wristwatches, smartphones and hardware in space and robots. In addition to electricity generation, microbial fuel cells can be used for wastewater treatment, desalination and biofuel production. The book addresses characterization techniques and operating conditions of microbial fuel cells, as well as the usefulness of various types of anode and cathode materials.
Biological Fuel Cells: Fundamental to Applications offers a comprehensive update on the latest microbial fuel cells technologies and their systems development and implementation. Taking a practical approach to MFCs, the book provides guidance on analytical methods and tools, economic and performance analyses of various technologies and systems, and engineering aspects. Established and newly developed technologies are presented alongside their applications within the context of cost, practicality and future technologies, which are discussed within the context of other renewable energy systems. This book is a comprehensive reference for users working in the field of fuel cells, microbial fuel cells and bioenergy. Presents lab-scale case studies and real-world application on microbial fuel cells Provides the fundamental theories and concepts behind MFCs, along with the latest technologies Offers guidance on economic and cost analyses for technologies and systems within each chapter
