Electricity generation from Nopal biogas effluent using a surface modified clay cup (cantarito) microbial fuel cell

Abstract

A modified clay cup (cantarito) microbial fuel cell (C-MFCs) was designed to digest the biomass effluent from a nopal biogas (NBE). To improve the process, commercial acrylic varnish (AV) was applied to the C-MFCs. The experiment was performed as:Both-C-MFCs, painting of AV on both sides of the clay cup; In-C-MFCs, painting of AV on the internal side, and Out-C-MFCs painting of AV on the external side. The order for the maximum volumetric power densities were Both-C-MFCs (1841.99 mW/m 3 )>Out-C-MFCs (1023.74 mW/m 3 ) >In-C-MFCs (448.90 mW/m 3 ). The control experiment without applied varnish did not show a stable potential, supporting the idea that the acryloyl group in varnish could favor the performance. Finally, a 4-digits clock was powered with two, Both-C-MFCs connected in series; the microbial diversity in this format was explored and a well-defined bacterial community including members of the phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Synergistetes and candidate division TM7 was found.

An Overview of Microbial Fuel Cell Technology for Sustainable Electricity Production

“…Additionally, to replace the Nafion membrane, commercial membranes have been introduced, such as bipolar membranes [102,103], cation and anion exchange membranes (CEMs; AEMs) [104], nanoporous membranes [105], and microfiltration membranes [106]. Several other membranes have been investigated to overcome both economic and environmental challenges [107], such as ceramic membranes [53,108], clay cups [109], and ceramic sticks [10].…”