(374a) Microbial Fuel Cell Engineering

Microbial fuels cells (MFC), biofuel cells (BFC), microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) and bioelectrically assisted microbial bioreactors (BEAMR) could be a part of a bioenergy wedge in the context of the so-called energy water nexus. Such systems could also be used to explore research in the areas of novel bio-material interface, consortia dynamics and integrated water treatment & chemical producing processes. Traditional mediator less MFCs oxidize substrates, perform electrogenesis via exoelectrogens and when configured to reduce an electron acceptor (i.e. anode), generate current by oxidation at a cathode. Recognition of this natural phenomenon is attributed to Potter et al. (1911) but advances that could lead to practical application were not made until much later; Kim et al. (1999 A & B), Rabaey et al. (2003), Liu et al. (2004), and Logan et al. (2006) whom suggested a first goal of scaling the technology for the treatment of water streams, respectively. We are in the process of configuring a data collection interface and construction of both a two-chamber and single-chamber microbial fuel cell. Concomitantly we are working towards collaborative efforts.

Contact with the University of Akureyri (UoA) in Iceland has suggested that collaboration to develop and promote MFC expertise would provide for a unique specialization in thermophilic consortia. UoA has identified consortia that have produced up to 3.2 mol-H2/mol-glucose but product dynamics that account for electrogenicity have not been characterized (Koskinen et al. 2008). Common MCF research themes include; MFC architecture (i.e. engineering design), consortia characterization with traditional molecular methods & systems modeling, and investigation of chemical-biochemical mechanisms particularly those related to electrogenesis. Additional bioprospecting at such sites could identify exceptional exoelectrogenic species and consortia. Our poster will highlight development of a novel MFC, proof of concept results, and extensive outreach efforts since sustainable water and energy efficient technologies have witnessed a surge of research attention.