Microbial Fuel Cells: A Source of Bioenergy

Abstract

The demands of energy in the world continue to accelerate and this triggers the global energy crisis and environmental Pollution. The reliance on fossil fuels (oil and gas) is unsustainable because of its finite, depleting supplies and impact on environment. As a result researchers are focusing on alternative, renewable and carbon neutral energy sources which are necessary for environmental and economic sustainability. MFC is a bioreactor that converts chemical energy present in the organic or inorganic compound substrates to electrical energy through catalytic reactions of microorganisms. Many substrates involve in generating electricity including carbohydrates, proteins, volatile acids, cellulose and wastewaters used as feed in MFC studies. MFC has a wide range of applications, including serving as household electrical generators and powering items such as small portable electronic devices boats, automobiles, electronics in space and self-feeding robots. The construction and analysis of MFCs requires knowledge at both scientific and engineering fields, ranging from microbiology and electrochemistry to materials and environmental engineering. We conclude that for further development of MFC technology a greater focus on the understanding of its components, microbial processes, factors of limitations and designs of the construction the in MFC systems is mandatory, in order to be simplified and large scale system developed; so that it will be cost-effective and to increase electricity production. This paper aimed to review on the current microbiology knowledge in electricity production, the materials and methods used to build the technology and the applications to MFC technology also highlighted.