Operational parameters affecting the performance of a mediator-less microbial fuel cell

Abstract

A mediator-less microbial fuel cell was optimized in terms of various operating conditions. Current generation was dependent on several factors such as pH, resistance, electrolyte used, and dissolved oxygen concentration in the cathode compartment. The highest current was generated at pH 7. Under the operating conditions, the resistance was the rate-determining factor at over 500 Omega. With resistance lower than 500 Omega, proton transfer and dissolved oxygen (DO) supply limited the cathode reaction. A high strength buffer reduced the proton limitation to some extent. The DO concentration was around 6 mg l(-1) at the DO limited condition. The fact that oxygen limitation was observed at high DO concentration is believed to be due to the poor oxygen reducing activity of the electrode used, graphite. The current showed linear relationship with the fuel added at low concentration, and the electronic charge was well correlated with substrate concentration from up to 400 mg l(-1) of CODcr. The microbial fuel cell might be used as a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) sensor. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.