Technological aspects of microbial fuel cells and soil based green energy conversion system

Abstract

This paper presents technological aspects, operating principle, and scientific applications of the microbial fuel cell (MFC). The MFC is a technology for the extraction of clean energy from biomass such as organic wastes; hence, comes under Green Energy Conversion System (GECS). The cell uses bacteria as biocatalysts to generate electricity by digesting biodegradable organics present in the organic waste material, through a catalytic reaction of microorganisms under an anaerobic condition. MFC has received considerable attention to offering the possibility of biological waste treatment and energy production simultaneous. Only in a few biosensors, the MFC is used practically, providing current for low power devices. Some researchers are uncovering that the importance of MFC technology is not only the production of electricity but the ability of electrode associated microbes to degrade wastes and toxic chemicals. This paper provides a platform to explore the possibilities of generating renewable power using biomass and the working principle of MFC technology with its applications like biological oxygen demand sensing, wastewater treatment, etc. Therefore, the paper has suggested the methods for electricity generation using a soil based MFC and water extraction from grass clippings using MFC. The experimental results showed better results than the previous research works. © 2019 Greater Mekong Subregion Academic and Research Network, Asian Institute of Technology.