Effects of the Pt loading side and cathode-biofilm on the performance of a membrane-less and single-chamber microbial fuel cell.
In order to analyze the effect of cathode's Pt loading side on the performance of single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs), power generation of a bamboo charcoal membrane-less air-cathode MFC was examined. The maximum power outputs obtained were 0.144 and 1.16 mW, while the maximum voltage outputs were 0.400 and 0.500 V (external resistance was 500 Omega), respectively, when the Pt loading side facing to the air and to the anode chamber solution; after a long time of operation with the side of cathode loaded Pt facing to anode chamber solution, a biofilm was developed on the inner side of cathode. With the formation of this biofilm, the power outputs of MFC increased first, and then decreased to 0.8 mW; oxidation-reduction potentials (ORP) dropped first, and then achieved the level of stability. Coulombic efficiency (CE) increased at a certain extent. In addition, the impact of cathode-biofilm on the loss of water in anode chamber solution was determined.
Yang
Shaoqiang
S
Department of Environmental Engineering, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Beijing, China.
Jia
Boyang
B
Liu
Hong
H
D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000502:physiology*; D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources; D018441:Biofilms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004566:Electrodes; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008954:Models, Biological; D010984:Platinum / Q000737:chemistry*
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010984:Platinum