Associated Research Groups
Laboratory for Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET)
Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent UniversityCoupure L 653, B-9000 Ghent
Tel. + 32/(0)9 264 59 76
Fax. + 32/(0)9 264 62 48
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Microbial Fuel Cells: Bioelectrochemical Conversion
A microbial fuel cell is a mimic of a biological system, in which bacteria transfer electrons, gained from their substrate, towards an electrode instead of towards their natural electron acceptor. Microbial fuel cells work through the action of bacteria, which can pass electrons to an anode, the negative electrode of a fuel cell. The electrons flow from the anode through a wire, producing a current, to a cathode, the positive electrode of a fuel cell, where they combine with hydrogen ions (protons) and oxygen to form water.
Research has shown that a microbial fuel cell (MFC) can generate electricity while simultaneously cleaning wastewater. In such a way, wastewater can be purified and the process can simultaneously produce electricity. The microbial fuel cells have the capability to provide an energy-efficient wastewater treatment and thus energy savings.
Potential and Benefits of the MFCRreactor
Compared to conventional aerobic wastewater treatment, removal of residual organic matter from wastewater by a MFC represents a step forward since costs can be lower. MFCs offer industries the opportunity to follow the ever more stringent environmental regulations since MFCs aim at an advanced anaerobic removal from many wastewater streams.
In addition to its use in water purification / electricity production, the technology has other applications in more specialized settings. Potential applications of miniaturised MFC-based technology may one day be used inside a living beings or even man to produce power while feeding on nutrients such as blood sugar. Another application is in the military field, where everlasting marine batteries may one day power specialized equipment using the organic compounds present on the ocean floor. Recent results have also shown that MFC reactors may fundamentally change traditional fermentation technology. It has been found that fermentation reactions can be manipulated by introducing small currents in MFC reactors in order to increase the total yield of fermentation products and direct the fermentation process. Due to the vast number of possible applications, LabMET is developing new technology, and new applications based on this technology.