Remodeling in Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) design and parameters for the sustained production of electricity

Abstract

In the recent years Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have gained much attention as an alternate source of sustainable power production. In MFCs the bacteria at anode are used as catalyst for extraction of electrons from biodegradable substrate. In the present study bacteria having electricity production potential were isolated from pond’s sludge and were identified using different microscopic, staining techniques and with the help of different biochemical tests. Double chambered MFCs were constructed to check the ability of those bacteria for current generation. Initially double chambered MFC was constructed using 250 ml of sludge as a source and maximum current produced was 119 mV. This experiment was repeated using 500 ml of mixed culture and the maximum current production of 169 mV was recorded. Glucose, peptone and yeast extract were used as a substrate for the growth and current production by bacteria. Different parameters such as chemical mediators, different electrode types and sizes and salt-bridge concentrations were utilized for production and amplification of current generated in MFC. Methylene blue indicator dye was found suitable for enhancing current in MFCs for short time. Two modes of feeding were used to increase the lifetime of cell i.e., and from the results of current study, it was concluded that fed batch mode was more effective as compared to non-fed batch culture.