A method for assessing the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is the polarisation sweep where different external resistances are applied at set intervals (sample rates). The resulting power curves often exhibit an overshoot where both power and current decrease concomitantly. To investigate these phenomena, small-scale (1 mL volume) MFCs operated in continuous flow were subjected to pol...

There is a need for alternative catalysts for oxygen reduction in the cathodic compartment of a microbial fuel cell (MFC). In this study, we show that a bipolar membrane combined with ferric iron reduction on a graphite electrode is an efficient cathode system in MFCs. A flat plate MFC with graphite felt electrodes, a volume of 1.2 L and a projected surface area of 290 cm2 was operated in conti...

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the characteristics and performance of a portable electrolytic sanitising unit. Free available chlorine (FAC), oxidation-reduction potential, and pH of electrolysed water were measured. Response surface methodology coupled with a Box-Behnken design was used to describe the input-output relationship and optimise FAC production. A partial catholyt...

A protic ionic liquid is designed and implemented for the first time as a solvent high energy density vanadium redox flow battery. Despite being less conductive than standard aqueous electrolytes, it thermally stable on 100 °C temperature window, chemically at least 60 days, equally viscous dense with typical solvents most importantly able to solubilize 6 mol L-1 sulfate, thus increasing VRFB b...

This paper investigated the effectiveness of incorporating zero-valent iron (ZVI) into electrokinetic (EK) to remediate hyper-Cr(VI) contaminated clay (2497 mg/kg). A ZVI wall was installed in the center of the soil specimen and was filled with 1:1 (w/w) ratio of granular ZVI and sand. Results show that transport of H(+) is greatly retarded by the strong opposite migration of anionic chromate i...

A miniature-microbial fuel cell (mini-MFC, chamber volume: 1.2 mL) was used to monitor biofilm development from a pure culture of Shewanella oneidensis DSP10 on graphite felt (GF) under minimal nutrient conditions. ESEM evidence of biofilm formation on GF is supported by substantial power density (per device cross-section) from the mini-MFC when using an acellular minimal media anolyte (1500 mW...

Electrokinetic remediation has been tested to remove lead from an Algerian contaminated soil sited near a battery plant. High level of lead content (4432 ± 275μg/g) mainly causes a pollution of the zone area which is sited nearby an agricultural land. A sequential chemical extraction procedure has shown that up to 71% of the total lead is found bounded to the mineral surfaces symbolised by Fe –...

This work investigates the influence of soil type on electrodialytic remediation (EDR) of lead (Pb). In electrokinetic soil remediation, it is well known that pH is a key factor and that carbonate influences remediation efficiency negatively. This work provides results from laboratory-scale EDR experiments with ten representative industrially Pb-contaminated surface soils. Results indicate that...

Oxygen-reducing biocathodes previously developed for microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have required energy-intensive aeration of the catholyte. To avoid the need for aeration, the ability of biocathodes to function with passive oxygen transfer was examined here using air cathode MFCs. Two-chamber, air cathode MFCs with biocathodes produced a maximum power density of 554 ± 0 mW/m(2), which was compar...

This paper describes the mathematical modelling and experimental work performed to evaluate porous cathodes for the electrochemical reduction of nitrates and nitrites in alkaline waste streams. A dynamic model of a batch process was developed that included a divided cell with a porous cathode, a cation-selective separator, a planar anode, and reservoirs for electrolyte recirculation and gas±liq...