Journal article
Electric power generation by a submersible microbial fuel cell equipped with a membrane electrode assembly
Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark1
Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark2
Imaging and Structural Analysis, Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark3
Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark4
Center for BioProcess Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark5
Residual Resource Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark6
Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were incorporated into the cathode chamber of a submersible microbial fuel cell (SMFC). A close contact of the electrodes could produce high power output from SMFC in which anode and cathode electrodes were connected in parallel. In polarization test, the maximum power density was 631mW/m2 at current density of 1772mA/m2 at 82Ω.
With 180-Ω external resistance, one set of the electrodes on the same side could generate more power density of 832±4mW/m2 with current generation of 1923±4mA/m2. The anode, inclusive a biofilm behaved ohmic, whereas a Tafel type behavior was observed for the oxygen reduction. The various impedance contributions from electrodes, electrolyte and membrane were analyzed and identified by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Air flow rate to the cathode chamber affected microbial voltage generation, and higher power generation was obtained at relatively low air flow less than 2mL/min.
| Language: | English |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2012 |
| Pages: | 412-417 |
| ISSN: | 18732976 and 09608524 |
| Types: | Journal article |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.04.097 |
| ORCIDs: | Thygesen, Anders and Angelidaki, Irini |
