title: Conception and optimization of a membrane electrode assembly microbial fuel cell (MEA-MFC) for treatment of domestic wastewater.
abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for microbial fuel cells (MEA-MFC) was developed for continuous electricity production while treating domestic wastewater concurrently. It was optimized via three upgraded versions (noted α, β and γ) in terms of design (current collectors, hydrophilic separator nature) and operating conditions (hydraulic retention time, external resistance, aeration rate, recirculation). An overall rise of power by over 100% from version α to γ shows the importance of factors such as the choice of proper construction materials and prevention of short-circuits. A power of 2.5 mW was generated with a hydraulic retention time of 2.3 h when a Selemion proton exchange membrane was used as a hydrophilic separator in the MEA and 2.8 mW were attained with a reverse osmosis membrane. The MFC also showed a competitive value of internal resistance (≈40-50 Ω) as compared to the literature, especially considering its large volume (3 L). However, the operation of our system in a complete loop where the anolyte was allowed to trickle over the cathode (version γ) resulted in system failure.
authors.affiliation: National University of Singapore, Singapore. ceelop@nus.edu.sg
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Lefebvre
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Uzabiaga
authors.forename: Y J
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Y P
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: H Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Ng
mesh_terms: D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources / Q000592:standards*; D004566:Electrodes; D004867:Equipment Design; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*