TY - JOUR
T1 - Performance explorations of single chamber microbial fuel cells by using various microelectrodes applied to biocathodes
AU - Guerrini, Edoardo
AU - Grattieri, Matteo
AU - Trasatti, Stefano P.
AU - Bestetti, Massimiliano
AU - Cristiani, Pierangela
PY - 2014/12/1
Y1 - 2014/12/1
N2 - Correlations among biofilm activity, chemistry and power production of membraneless, single chamber microbial fuel cells (MFC) were established using four microelectrodes. Each different (pH, redox, conductivity, S-2) microelectrode was assembled, calibrated and located close to the cathode. Power productivity of five MFCs was explained in terms of response of the microelectrodes. pH variation demonstrated that a proton gradient establishes within the cathodic biofilm, increasing acidity near the electrode. Conductivity increases inside the biofilm, proving low diffusion and increased ion concentration. Redox profiles provide a significant improvement to the understanding of the biochemical equilibria inside and outside the biofilm. Sulphide variations emphasize the role of the sulphur cycle in the MFC development. Diffusion hindrance seems the key-factor for the development of a biofilm and the establishment of a natural separation of the cell in cathodic and anodic compartments.
AB - Correlations among biofilm activity, chemistry and power production of membraneless, single chamber microbial fuel cells (MFC) were established using four microelectrodes. Each different (pH, redox, conductivity, S-2) microelectrode was assembled, calibrated and located close to the cathode. Power productivity of five MFCs was explained in terms of response of the microelectrodes. pH variation demonstrated that a proton gradient establishes within the cathodic biofilm, increasing acidity near the electrode. Conductivity increases inside the biofilm, proving low diffusion and increased ion concentration. Redox profiles provide a significant improvement to the understanding of the biochemical equilibria inside and outside the biofilm. Sulphide variations emphasize the role of the sulphur cycle in the MFC development. Diffusion hindrance seems the key-factor for the development of a biofilm and the establishment of a natural separation of the cell in cathodic and anodic compartments.
KW - Biocathode
KW - Biofilm
KW - Microbial fuel cells
KW - Microelectrodes
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U2 - 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.06.132
DO - 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.06.132
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84955182169
VL - 39
SP - 21837
EP - 21846
JO - International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
JF - International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
SN - 0360-3199
IS - 36
ER -