title: Challenges in microbial fuel cell development and operation.
abstract: A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a device that converts chemical energy into electricity through the catalytic activities of microorganisms. Although there is great potential of MFCs as an alternative energy source, novel wastewater treatment process, and biosensor for oxygen and pollutants, extensive optimization is required to exploit the maximum microbial potential. In this article, the main limiting factors of MFC operation are identified and suggestions are made to improve performance.
authors.affiliation: Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 39-1 Hawolgok-dong, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-791, South Korea. bhkim@kist.re.kr
authors.forename: Byung Hong
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: In Seop
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Geoffrey M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Gadd
mesh_terms: D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources / Q000382:microbiology*; D018441:Biofilms; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004563:Electrochemistry; D004579:Electron Transport; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D011522:Protons; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid
chemical_list: D011522:Protons; D010100:Oxygen