New fragmented electro-active biofilm (FAB) reactor to increase anode surface area and performance of microbial fuel cell

Abstract Background Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology is a promising sustainable future energy source with renewable and abundant substrate. MFC critical drawbacks are anode surface area limitations electrochemical loss. Recent studies recommend thick biofilm growth due to the synergetic effect between microbial communities. Engineering prospect of MFC. In this study, electrode jacket dish (MEJ-dish) was invented, first time authors’ knowledge, support growth. The reactor MEJ-dish hypothesized develop variable thickens. This called fragmented electro-active biofilm-microbial (FAB-MFC). It optimized for pH types tested at bench-scale. Results Fragmented (thick thin) biofilms were observed in FAB-MFC but not During five days 7.5, maximum voltage (0.87 V) recorded than FAB-MFC; however, when age increases, all gains momentum. depends on type that determines junction nature MEJ-dish. At alkaline 8.5, generates lower relative On contrary, COD removal improved regardless variation (6.5–8.5) type. bench-scale optimization findings. Overall, FAB improves Coulombic efficiency by 7.4–9.6 % might be recommendable use both non-FAB single address contradictory increasing associated higher pH. Conclusions study showed overall generated significantly within limited (6.5–7.5); relatively, enhanced broader range (6.5–8.5). supports conclusion vital removal, there mutualism even though participated generation. could provide new flexible technique manage thickness adjusting size. Future may need consider number, size, conductor per electrode.