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Architecture Optimization of a Single-Chamber Air-Cathode MFC by Increasing the Number of Cathode Electrodes

Author

Listed:
  • Theofilos Kamperidis

    (School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece)

  • Asimina Tremouli

    (School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece)

  • Gerasimos Lyberatos

    (School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece
    Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), Stadiou Str., Platani, 26504 Patras, Greece)

Abstract

The aim of this study was the optimization of a single-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) architecture, by increasing the number of cathode electrodes. An air cathode single chamber MFC with a modifiable lid and bottom was operated with 4 and 6 Gore-Tex MnO 2 cathode electrodes. The anode consisted of graphite granules. It was found that the increase from 4 (total cathodic surface area of 160 cm 2 ) to 6 (total cathodic surface area of 240 cm 2 ) electrodes resulted in an increase of the maximum current and the maximum power output of the cell by approximately 72% and 129%, respectively. Additionally, by increasing the cathodic surface area the internal resistance (R int ) of the unit decreased by approximately 19%. The organic removal from the substrate was not affected by the addition of the new electrodes while it was high across all cases studied (chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal > 89%). The average coulombic efficiency (CE) during the 4-electrode operation was 14.3%, while the corresponding efficiency for 6-electrode operation was 18.5%.

Suggested Citation

  • Theofilos Kamperidis & Asimina Tremouli & Gerasimos Lyberatos, 2023. "Architecture Optimization of a Single-Chamber Air-Cathode MFC by Increasing the Number of Cathode Electrodes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-12, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:17:p:13107-:d:1229702
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Theofilos Kamperidis & Pavlos K. Pandis & Christos Argirusis & Gerasimos Lyberatos & Asimina Tremouli, 2022. "Effect of Food Waste Condensate Concentration on the Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells with Different Cathode Assemblies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-13, February.
    2. Walter, Xavier Alexis & You, Jiseon & Winfield, Jonathan & Bajarunas, Ugnius & Greenman, John & Ieropoulos, Ioannis A., 2020. "From the lab to the field: Self-stratifying microbial fuel cells stacks directly powering lights," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).
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