Electricity generation using Glucose as substrate in microbial fuel cell

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) provide new opportunities for energy generation through conversion of organic matter to electricity by electricity-generating bacteria. The cell voltage and degradation rate of Glucose were monitored in a mediator less single chamber air cathode microbial fuel cell (ML-SCMFCs). Glucose was used as substrate by the MFC that was inoculated with aerobic sludge. Degradation metabolites in the anode solution of MFC were analyzed according to standard methods by closed reflux titrimetric Method. The morphology of the anode has been analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The results showed that electricity output increased with the Glucose concentration increased until at definite limit 5.0 g/l the current decreased because inhibition effect of glucose in relation to cyclic voltammetry, The MFC displayed a maximum power density of 52 mW/m2 at stable current density 275 mA/m2 and a maximum glucose degradation rate 94.4%. SEM show an intensive of bacterial biofilm communities on anodic electrodes which responsible for the electron shuttling to the electrode to generate electricity. These results demonstrate that Gulcose can be used for electricity generation in MFC for practical applications.