A Viable Electrode Material for Use in Microbial Fuel Cells for Tropical Regions

Sammanfattning

Electrode materials are critical for microbial fuel cells (MFC) since they influence the construction and operational costs. This study introduces a simple and efficient electrode material in the form of palm kernel shell activated carbon (AC) obtained in tropical regions. The novel introduction of this material is also targeted at introducing an inexpensive and durable electrode material, which can be produced in rural communities to improve the viability of MFCs. The maximum voltage and power density obtained (under 1000 load) using an H-shaped MFC with AC as both anode and cathode electrode material was 0.66 V and 1.74 W/m(3), respectively. The power generated by AC was as high as 86% of the value obtained with the extensively used carbon paper. Scanning electron microscopy and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of AC anode biofilms confirmed that electrogenic bacteria were present on the electrode surface for substrate oxidation and the formation of nanowires.

Nyckelord

Activated carbon; palm kernel shells; nanowires; maximum power density

Publicerad i

Energies
2016, volym: 9, nummer: 1, artikelnummer: 35

SLU författare

• Thygesen, Anders

  • Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU)

• Fernando, Dinesh

  • Institutionen för skogens produkter, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

• Daniel, Geoffrey

  • Institutionen för skogens produkter, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

Globala målen (SDG)

SDG7 Hållbar energi för alla

UKÄ forskningsämne

Energisystem
Annan kemiteknik

Publikationens identifierare

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en9010035

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/72727