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Anode surface modification with activated carbon for improved power generation in urine fed Microbial Fuel Cells

Gajda, Iwona; You, Jiseon; Santoro, Carlo; Greenman, John; Ieropoulos, Ioannis

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Authors

Iwona Serruys Iwona.Gajda@uwe.ac.uk
Senior Lecturer in Engineering Management

Jiseon You Jiseon.You@uwe.ac.uk
Lecturer in Engineering/ Project Management

Carlo Santoro Carlo.Santoro@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Bio-Energy

Yannis Ieropoulos Ioannis2.Ieropoulos@uwe.ac.uk
Professor in Bioenergy & Director of B-B



Abstract

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) utilise organic feedstocks such as urine as fuel for direct electricity production, by employing anode respiring microbes that convert organic matter into electrons while treating waste. One possible approach to bring this technology into real-world applications, is the multiplication of units connected together as modules (stacks) for usable power levels. The main challenge is therefore to improve the power output of a single MFC, using affordable and simple in preparation materials, which benefit can then be multiplied in a stack. Anode electrode composition and surface morphology are key elements in improving performance and reducing costs, since the electron transfer rate from bacteria towards the electrode surface is one of the critical limiting factors. So far, carbon fibre veil has been successfully used as an anode electrode in numerous practical demonstrations. This work aims to explore simple and inexpensive modifications of this substratum with the addition of microporous activated carbon powder to produce a three-dimensional (3D) structure in order to improve the output of a single MFC unit as a building block for a modular stack.

Citation

Gajda, I., You, J., Santoro, C., Greenman, J., & Ieropoulos, I. (2018, September). Anode surface modification with activated carbon for improved power generation in urine fed Microbial Fuel Cells. Poster presented at 69th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry, Bologna, Italy

Presentation Conference Type Poster
Conference Name 69th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry
Conference Location Bologna, Italy
Start Date Sep 2, 2018
End Date Sep 7, 2018
Acceptance Date May 3, 2018
Deposit Date Aug 14, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Keywords microbial fuel cell, urine, anode modification, ceramic MFC, activated carbon
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/868358
Publisher URL http://annual69.ise-online.org/program.php
Additional Information Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : 69th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry

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