Effect of Various Operating Parameters on Power Generation from Mediator Less Microbial Fuel Cell

Abstract

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is the most adaptable renewable energy technology for its multidimensional applications. This bioreactor converts the chemical energy stored in decomposable organic and inorganic compound into electricity with the help of bacteria. The whole process occurred in an air free environment. Significant amount of research works has been carried out to improve the yield of MFC. In this research work, three MFCs were constructed using locally available materials. Local window glass was used to construct the body of MFC, Agar-agar solution and bandage cloth were used for salt bridge. Several experiments were performed in batch mode to investigate the effects of various operating parameters such as electrode material, electrolyte source, pH and concentration. To investigate the effect of electrode materials, three anode materials (carbon felt, Zinc and carbon rod) were used and copper was used as cathode with every cathode. Zinc-copper combinations gave 28.2% higher power than carbon felt-copper and 57.1% than carbon rod-copper. For operating pH, pH 6, pH 8 and pH 10 were investigated, where maximum power generated from pH 8, its value was 680.625 mW. To investigate better electrolytic source municipal waste water, river water (Bhairab) and hospital waste water was studied and maximum power (5.907mW) generated from Bhairab river water. Additives affect the power generation of microbial fuel cell; urine mixed waste water generates 52.13% and 9.6% higher power than raw waste water and fish waste mixed waste water respectively. 10% urine mixed electrolyte gives maximum voltage (1146 mV) but top power obtained from 15% urine mixed waste water. To get better yield source of electrolyte (Bhairab river water), electrode combinations (Zinc-copper), operating pH (pH 8) and 15% urine as additive can be used.