Kinetic modeling for miniaturize single-chambered microbial fuel cell: effects of biochemical reaction on its performance

Abstract

In this study, Nernst growth model equations are used to explain the anodic biofilm (ABF) modeling, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) at various growth stages of biofilm, and polarization curve modeling for its electron generation behavior in a miniaturized single-chambered microbial fuel cell (SMFC). Kinetic constants of various growth model equations were determined using non-linear regression analysis. Maximum specific growth rate (μmax) at anodic surface is observed 0.016 h−1 at a glucose concentration of 12 g L−1, whereas retardation in μmax is observed 14 g L−1 or more in SMFC. LSV results showed maximum current density of 6720.56 mA m−2. Anode performance in SMFC is examined through polarization curve resulting maximum open-circuit voltage (OCV), minimum charge transfer loss, and ohmic loss for NWG (NiWO4 impregnated on rGO), NiWO4, rGO, and plain CC (carbon cloth) anode. These results demonstrate significant enhancement in performance of MFC to lead towards model-based process controlling for significant scale-up in future. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2023.