Trends in microbial fuel cells for the environmental energy refinery from waste/water

Abstract

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a device to use for bio electrochemical energy production. The MFC typically consists of two chambers, an anaerobic anode chamber and an aerobic cathode chamber separated by an ion conducting membrane. Anaerobic microorganisms at the anode oxidise organic matter and transfer electrons to the anode that pass through an external circuit producing current. Protons migrate through the solution across the membrane to the cathode where they combine with oxygen and electrons to form water. The device may provide new opportunities for the renewable energy in waste water/swage treatment plants. Here, the purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of microbial fuel cell technology and review the anode and cathode limitations MFCs. The research trends of the new technology may help many researchers to get more information in current biotechnology and environmental technology.