利用生物活性炭提高微生物燃料电池产电性能

通过比较三组微生物燃料电池（MFC）的产电性能,考察使用生物活性炭（BAC）对提高MFC产电性能所起的作用。它们分别是：在阳极室内未投加活性炭的、投加了柱状活性炭的和投加了小颗粒活性炭的3种MFC。投加时机是在电池启动阶段,此时微生物在活性炭上驯化出生物膜,即形成生物活性炭,目的是辅助阳极富集更多微生物。结果表明,投加了小颗粒活性炭的MFC在产电性能和污水处理上具有优势。该电池最大容积功率密度达到1540 mW/m³ ,COD去除率达到了88%。     

Copper anode corrosion affects power generation in microbial fuel cells

Non‐corrosive, carbon‐based materials are usually used as anodes in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In some cases, however, metals have been used that can corrode (e.g. copper) or that are corrosion resistant (e.g. stainless steel, SS). Corrosion could increase current through galvanic (abiotic) current production or by increasing exposed surface area, or decrease current due to generation of toxic products from corrosion. In order to directly examine the effects of using corrodible metal anodes, MFCs with Cu were compared with reactors using SS and carbon cloth anodes. MFCs with Cu anodes initially showed high current generation similar to abiotic controls, but subsequently they produced little power (2 mW m^‐2). Higher power was produced with microbes using SS (12 mW m^‐2) or carbon cloth (880 mW m^‐2) anodes, with no power generated by abiotic controls. These results demonstrate that copper is an unsuitable anode material, due to corrosion and likely copper toxicity to microorganisms. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

沉积物微生物燃料电池修复水体沉积物研究进展

沉积物微生物燃料电池在修复水体沉积物的研究近年来受到广泛关注.相比较传统的原位生物修复技术,其不需要投加电子受体或供氧剂,而是以电极作为电子受体,并可在氧化有机物的同时产生一定的电能.本文详细介绍了其工作原理和特点,并阐述了阴极、阳极、电极间距、溶解氧浓度、外电阻、底物传质、微生物、水体种类对其的影响,对今后的应用和研发重点进行了展望.     

微生物燃料电池阳极产电茵的选育

产电菌能够以微生物燃料电池的阳极作为唯一的电子受体完成有机物的氧化,在产电的同时获得自身生长所需的能量。基于产电菌的特殊代谢方式,有望在处理有机废水的过程中获取电能。分离和培养产电菌是研究其产电过程的基础。本研究采用双层平板技术从厌氧颗粒污泥中分离出数个产电菌株,采用循环伏安法（cyclic voltammograms,CV）对厌氧培养的产电菌进行曲线扫描,所得曲线表明这些产电菌具有一定的电化学活性,可以用来进行产电实验。     

Electricity generation from terephthalic acid using a microbial fuel cell

BACKGROUND: Pure terephthalic acid (PTA) is a petrochemical product of global importance and is widely applied as an important raw material in making polyester fiber and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. In this work, a single‐chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was constructed using terephthalic acid (TA) with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration range from 500 mg L^?1 to 3500 mg L^?1 as the electron donor and strain PA‐18 as the biocatalyst. RESLUTS: In the single chamber MFC, several factors were examined to determine their effects on power output, including COD concentration and electrode spacing. The characteristic of the strain PA‐18 was further studied. Cyclic voltammetry showed that electrons were directly transferred onto the anode by bacteria in biofilms, rather than self‐produced mediators of bacteria in the solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation showed that the anodic electrode surface was covered by bacteria which were responsible for electron transfer. Direct 16s‐rDNA analysis showed that the PA‐18 bacteria shared 99% 16SrDNA sequence homology with Pseudomonas sp. CONCLUSIONS: Electricity generation from TA in MFC was observed for the first time. The maximum power density produced by TA was 160 mW m^?2, lower than that achieved using domestic wastewater. This novel technology provided an economical route for electricity energy recovery in PTA wastewater treatment. High internal resistance was the major limitation. To further improve the power output, the electron transfer rate was accelerated by overexpression of membrane the protein gene of the strain PA‐18 and by reducing the electrolyte and mass transfer resistance by optimizing reactor configuration. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

微生物燃料电池产电的影响因素

以输出功率和内阻为评价指标,考察了直接微生物燃料电池在间歇运行过程中pH值、底物浓度、电极间距和添加电解质对产电性能的影响. 结果表明,pH值对输出功率影响较大,最佳值为7.5;输出功率随底物浓度的增大而增大．减小电极间距能有效降低电池内阻,提高输出功率,当电极间距为2 cm时,最大功率密度为700 mW/m2,内阻为80 W,库仑效率为7.7%. 磷酸盐缓冲溶液作为电解质对功率提高的效果优于NaCl,其添加量为100 mmol/L时,最大功率密度达922 mW/m2,内阻为70 W,库仑效率为11.5%.     

微生物电解池辅助CO2甲烷化阴极材料的研究进展

微生物电解池（microbial electrolysis cell,MEC）产甲烷技术是一种有望成为缓解能源危机与温室效应的重要新型途径。它以外界输入的较小电能为能量来源,以微生物为催化剂,在阳极通过分解有机物形成电子和质子;在阴极产生氢气和甲烷。近年来,MEC在反应器构型、阴极材料设计及电子转移途径、微生物群落结构组成等方面的研究取得了重要进展,寻找高效低价的阴极材料催化剂,实现MEC从概念到应用成为相关领域的研究热点。本文综述了MEC耦合厌氧消化系统产甲烷的工作原理和常见阴极材料的发展现状;分别对碳基阴极、金属基阴极及复合阴极的甲烷产率进行了阐述;系统介绍了不同阴极系统的电子传递方式、电化学特性、生物相容性、微生物群落结构组成等属性;讨论了各类电极的优缺点,并指出了今后的重点研究方向,以期为MEC耦合厌氧消化产甲烷技术的工程应用提供基础。     

High power generation with simultaneous COD removal using a circulating column microbial fuel cell

BACKGROUND: A circulating column microbial fuel cell (MFC) with Cu anode and Au? Cu air cathode was used for power generation and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal from synthetic wastewater. The column was operated in repeated‐fed batch mode using acclimated anaerobic sludge. The contents of the column MFC were circulated while the feed wastewater was fed to the reactor in fed‐batch mode. Effects of feed COD concentration and COD loading rate on voltage difference, power density and percentage COD removal were investigated. RESULTS: The highest voltage difference (650 mV), power density (40 W m^?2) were obtained with a feed COD of 6400 mg L^?1, yielding 45% COD removal with a COD loading rate of nearly 90 mg h^?1. Low COD loadings (<90 mg h^?1) caused substrate limitations, and high loadings (>90 mg h^?1) resulted in inhibition of COD removal and power generation. The highest percentage COD removal (50%) was obtained with feed COD content of 10.35 g L^?1 or a COD loading rate of 145 mg h^?1. CONCLUSION: The power densities obtained with the circulating column MFC were considerably higher than those reported in the literature due to elimination of mass transfer limitations by the high circulation rates, proximity of electrodes and small anode surface area used in this study. Further improvements may be possible with optimization of the operating parameters. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of graphite felt and activated carbon fiber felt on performance of freshwater sediment microbial fuel cell

BACKGROUND: Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) could be used as power sources and one type of new technology for the removal of organic matters in sediments. Various types of materials have been used as electrodes. Nevertheless, there is still room to improve electrode materials and enhance their effect on the performance of SMFCs. In this work, performances of SMFCs with activated carbon fiber felt (ACFF) and with nitric acid‐treated ACFF were compared with graphite felt (GF) materials. RESULTS: The maximum power density of the SMFC with ACFF electrode was the highest (33.5 ± 1.5 mW m^?2). Nitric acid‐treated GF electrode slightly increased the maximum power density of SMFC, while the nitric acid treated‐ACFF resulted in significant decline in the maximum power density of SMFC. The maximum power density further increased to 74.5 ± 7.5 mW m^?2 in SMFC using GF cathode and ACFF anode. CONCLUSIONS: ACFF as anode can enhance the transport of electrons from the oxidation of organic matter in the sediment, while the output power was found to reduce in SMFC with ACFF cathode. Further efforts are needed to study the formation conditions of the biocathode and new electrode modification technology. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Continuous microbial fuel cell using a photoautotrophic cathode and a fermentative anode

A complete microbial fuel cell (MFC) operating under continuous flow conditions and using Chlorella vulgaris at the cathode and Saccharomyces cerevisiae at the anode was investigated for the production of electricity. The MFC was loaded with different resistances to characterise its power capabilities and voltage dynamics. A cell recycle system was also introduced to the cathode to observe the effect of microalgae cell density on steady‐state power production and dynamic voltage profiles. At the maximum microalgae cell density of 2140 mg/L, a maximum power level of 0.6 mW/m² of electrode surface area was achieved. The voltage difference between the cathode and anode decreased as the resistance decreased within the closed circuit, with a maximum open circuit voltage (infinite resistance) of 220 mV. The highest current flow of 1.0 mA/m² of electrode surface area was achieved at an applied resistance of 250 Ω.     

Marine microbial fuel cell: Use of stainless steel electrodes as anode and cathode materials

Numerous biocorrosion studies have stated that biofilms formed in aerobic seawater induce an efficient catalysis of the oxygen reduction on stainless steels. This property was implemented here for the first time in a marine microbial fuel cell (MFC). A prototype was designed with a stainless steel anode embedded in marine sediments coupled to a stainless steel cathode in the overlying seawater. Recording current/potential curves during the progress of the experiment confirmed that the cathode progressively acquired effective catalytic properties. The maximal power density produced of 4 mW m⁻² was lower than those reported previously with marine MFC using graphite electrodes. Decoupling anode and cathode showed that the cathode suffered practical problems related to implementation in the sea, which may found easy technical solutions. A laboratory fuel cell based on the same principle demonstrated that the biofilm-covered stainless steel cathode was able to supply current density up to 140 mA m⁻² at +0.05 V versus Ag/AgCl. The power density of 23 mW m⁻² was in this case limited by the anode. These first tests presented the biofilm-covered stainless steel cathodes as very promising candidates to be implemented in marine MFC. The suitability of stainless steel as anode has to be further investigated.     

燃料电池的发展趋势

介绍了燃料电池的工作原理、优缺点;同时以燃料电池应用为背景,综述不同类型的燃料电池如车用质子交换膜燃料电池、航天飞行器用再生燃料电池、小型便携式产品用直接甲醇燃料电池、中小型电站用固体氧化物燃料电池(SOFC)、微生物燃料电池(MFC)的技术发展现状与研究热点,并指出了未来燃料电池的发展趋势.     

Investigation on cathode degradation of direct methanol fuel cell

The cathode degradation of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) was investigated after a 240 h discontinuous galvostatic operation at 80 °C. The catalyst coated membrane (CCM) and the cathode diffusion layer were not combined so as to isolate electrochemical and mass transport processes. It was indicated by the EDS and SEM tests that the loss of the cathode electrochemical surface area (ESA) was associated with the decays of the Pt/C catalyst and the interfacial contact. Furthermore, Ru crossover and higher methanol crossover resulting from the anode failure aggravated the degradation of the cathode. On the other hand, the change of the pore structure led to a higher wettability of the cathode microporous layer. Therefore, the oxygen transport was suppressed due to the decrease of hydrophobic passages.     

微生物燃料电池阴极电子受体研究进展

微生物燃料电池是一个阳极产生电子,阴极接受电子的电化学系统。阐述了微生物燃料电池各种电子受体在阴极的反应机理和研究现状,分析了目前微生物燃料电池研究存在的不足,并提出了未来的研究和发展方向。     

两室气体互通对光合微生物燃料电池性能的影响

以斜生栅藻生长产生氧为电子受体的光合微生物燃料电池(PMFC)和外加CO2光合微生物燃料电池(AC-PMFC)联合构建成微生物碳捕获电池(MCC).研究MCC在不同运行条件下的产电性能及影响因素.测量MCC,PMFC和AC-PMFC三种系统中的电压、溶解氧和pH.结果表明,产电压趋势与所有系统中的藻类阴极的氧浓度相关,...     

海泥电池Fe_3O_4/PANI复合阳极制备及电化学性能

由FeCl2、FeCl3、樟脑磺酸及苯胺合成Fe3O4/PANI,将Fe3O4/PANI粉末与碳粉按1∶1混合均匀,同聚四氟乙烯乳液调和后,压涂在石磨电极表面,制成Fe3O4/PANI复合阳极并测试其电化学性能。结果表明,改性后阳极表面细菌附着数量提高2倍多,有利于细菌附着。复合阳极抗极化性能明显提高,动力学活性明显增强,电流密度增加,最大功率密度提高到300 mW/m2。该复合阳极可望用于海泥电池的应用开发研究。     

Utilization of mixed monosaccharides for power generation in microbial fuel cells

BACKGROUND: The utilization of mixed monosaccharides commonly found in the hydrolysates of lignocellulosic biomass was evaluated for power generation in single chamber air cathode mediator‐less microbial fuel cells. RESULTS: A similar voltage generation pattern was observed for all the MFCs with different monosaccharide combinations and an external resistance of 1000 Ω. However, the different monosaccharide utilization rates ranging from 212 mg L^?1 h^?1 to 389 mg L^?1 h^?1 indicate the presence of preferential utilization of different monosaccharides. Three volatile fatty acids (VFAs), including acetic, propionic and butyric acids were detected as the main intermediates, which were generated mainly through a fermentation process. CONCLUSION: VFAs produced from initial monosaccharides contributed to a significant portion of the total electricity generated, and the fermentation process outcompeted the electricity generation process when a mixed bacterial culture was used. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Electricity generation from seafood wastewater in a single‐ and dual‐chamber microbial fuel cell with CoTMPP oxygen‐reduction electrocatalyst

BACKGROUND: To make the treatment of seafood wastewater more economical and sustainable, this study aims to examine electricity generation and simultaneous degradation of organic substances from seafood wastewater in single‐chamber (SC) and dual‐chamber (DC) microbial fuel cell (MFC). RESULTS: By supplying the MFCs with seafood wastewater, the maximum power density produced from the SCMFC was higher than that produced from the DCMFC, which is a consequence of the difference in internal resistance of the two systems. The electrochemical reduction of oxygen catalyzed by C/CoTMPP was comparable with that promoted by commercial C/Pt catalyst. The SCMFC achieved higher organic degradation than the DCMFC, which corresponded to less accumulation of volatile fatty acids being decomposed aerobically promoted by the oxygen diffused from the cathode in the absence of the membrane. Owing to electron losses via aerobic decomposition rather than the electricity‐producing pathway, the higher removal efficiency was in line with the low coulombic efficiency. In addition, the DCMFC having a membrane had a more severe pH polarization than the SCMFC without the membrane. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a conceptual demonstration of sustainable utilization of seafood wastewater while carrying out biological decomposition in an MFC system in an economical manner. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

微生物燃料电池处理晚期垃圾渗滤液的特性研究

采用双室型微生物燃料电池(MFC)处理晚期垃圾渗滤液,考察了其产电性能及渗滤液处理效果。在外阻为1 000Ω,MFC中垃圾渗滤液的体积分数为20%时,其最大输出电压为660.6 mV,最大输出功率密度为2 182.0mW/m3。当体积分数升至100%,其最大输出电压为709.4 mV,最大输出功率密度为2 513.4 mW/m3,COD去除率约为70.4%。MFC运行期间,渗滤液中的氨氮一部分在阳极室中作为电子供体产电而被去除,另一部分从阳极室转移到阴极室,7 d内NH4+转移率达43%。与此同时,内阻从1 010Ω增加到2 000Ω,阳极液电导率从2.09×10-3S/cm下降到9.15×10-4S/cm。