Catalyst Development of Microbial Fuel Cells for Renewable-Energy Production

Abstract

In this chapter, we focus on microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that convert the energy from organic matters into electrical energy using microorganisms. MFCs are greatly expected to be used as a relatively low-cost and safe device for generating renewable energy using waste biomass as a raw material. At present, however, it has not reached the desired practical application because of the low-power generation; hence, improvements on fuel cell efficiency, such as electrode materials, are still being examined. Here, we focus on the microorganisms that can be used as catalysts and play a central role in improving the efficiency of the fuel cells. Several kinds of microbial catalysts are used in MFCs. For example, Shewanella oneidensis has been well studied, and as known, since S. oneidensis transports the electrons generated within the cell to the surface layer, it does not require a mediator to pass the electrons from the cells to the electrode. Furthermore, Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a model organism for MFCs, are also used. The improvements of such microbial catalysts have also been proceeding actively. Here, we elaborated on the principle of MFCs as well as the current situation and latest research on the catalyst development.

The Strategy and Future of Biotechnology in Protecting the Global Environment

“…In contrast, the development of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is also underway [26,27] MFCs are bioreactors that convert organic compounds into electrical energy under anaerobic conditions through microbial catalysis and convert biomass into electricity, such as wood and food waste as well as wastewater. It is a desirable renewable energy source.…”

Dairy Wastewater as a Potential Feedstock for Valuable Production with Concurrent Wastewater Treatment through Microbial Electrochemical Technologies

“…The oxygen required for the ORR is provided in either an aqueous form (in the case of aqueous cathode MFC) or can be consumed from the air (such as in an air-breathing MFC or single-chamber MFC) [98]. This emerging technology of the MFC can be employed in the dairy industry for the treatment of dairy effluent in the anodic chamber, which will reduce the organic load that reaches the subsequent treatment unit, thus reducing the operational costs [99]. Further, the energy recovered from the operation of an MFC that employs dairy wastewater can be used to provide electricity to low-power sensors, which are employed in quality controls [100].…”

Employing Laccase-Producing Aspergillus sydowii NYKA 510 as a Cathodic Biocatalyst in Self-Sufficient Lighting Microbial Fuel Cell

“…In this work, the air cathode single-chamber MFC catalyzes the conversion of carbon source into electricity by transferring electrons to the circuit by employing oxidoreductase enzymes secreted by fungal cells. The basic reactions are presented below [44]:…”