Thygesen, Anders
- Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Abstract
Electrode materials are critical for microbial fuel cells (MFC) since they influence the construction and operational costs. This study introduces a simple and efficient electrode material in the form of palm kernel shell activated carbon (AC) obtained in tropical regions. The novel introduction of this material is also targeted at introducing an inexpensive and durable electrode material, which can be produced in rural communities to improve the viability of MFCs. The maximum voltage and power density obtained (under 1000 load) using an H-shaped MFC with AC as both anode and cathode electrode material was 0.66 V and 1.74 W/m(3), respectively. The power generated by AC was as high as 86% of the value obtained with the extensively used carbon paper. Scanning electron microscopy and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of AC anode biofilms confirmed that electrogenic bacteria were present on the electrode surface for substrate oxidation and the formation of nanowires.
Keywords
Activated carbon; palm kernel shells; nanowires; maximum power density
Published in
Energies
2016, volume: 9, number: 1, article number: 35
SLU Authors
Fernando, Dinesh
- Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Daniel, Geoffrey
- Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Global goals (SDG)
SDG7 Affordable and clean energy
UKÄ Subject classification
Energy Systems
Other Chemical Engineering
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en9010035
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/72727