title: Effect of operational parameters on Coulombic efficiency in bioelectrochemical systems.
abstract: To create an efficient bioelectrochemical system, a high Coulombic efficiency is required. This efficiency is a direct measure for the competition between electrogens and methanogens when acetate is used as substrate. In this study the Coulombic efficiency in a microbial electrolysis cell was investigated. As a result of an increase in substrate concentration from 1 to 35 mM, the current density increased to 21.1A/m(2), while the Coulombic efficiency decreased to 52%. As a result of an increase in anode potential from -450 to -0.250 mV, the current density increased to 20.9A/m(2), while the Coulombic efficiency increased 21%. Knowledge about the substrate affinity and growth kinetics is crucial to control the Coulombic efficiency. Further research is required to optimize strategies to find a balance between the Coulombic efficiency, current density and removal rate of organic material.
authors: Sub-Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bomenweg 2, P.O. Box 8129, 6700 EV Wageningen, The Netherlands.
authors: Tom H J A
authors: TH
authors: Sleutels
authors: Libertus
authors: L
authors: Darus
authors: Hubertus V M
authors: HV
authors: Hamelers
authors: Cees J N
authors: CJ
authors: Buisman
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000032:analysis; D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources; D004560:Electricity; D004566:Electrodes; D007700:Kinetics; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates