Evaluación del potencial energético de residuos de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) por medio de celdas de combustible microbiano (CCM)

Abstract

Abstract: The main objective of this research study was to assess the energy potential of cocoa residues (pod and mucilage) as a direct energy source. Three dilutions were made per substrate. Crushed pod (< 0.5 mm) diluted in 1:25 (1.20 g), 1:50 (0.60 g), and 1:100 (0.30 g). Mucilage diluted in 1:4 (25%), 1:8 (12.50%), and 1:16 (6.25%). Measurements were performed in microbial fuel cells in three periods: acclimatization (one period) and electrical performance (two periods). During the third period, the highest electrical performance was observed in the 1.20 g pod dilution (voltage: 726 mV; power density: 11.75 mW / m2; coulombic efficiency: 0.33%) and in the 12.50% mucilage dilution (voltage: 474 mV; density power: 6.52 mW / m2; coulombic efficiency: 0.01%). It is concluded that the dilutions of pod (1.20 g) and mucilage (12.50%) showed the highest energy potential.