The bacterial anode of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) is the limiting factor in a high hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This study focused on improving biofilm attachment to a carbon-cloth anode using an alginate hydrogel. In addition, the modified bioanode was encapsulated by a filter bag that served as a physical barrier, to overcome its low mechanical strength and alginate degradation by certain bacterial species in wastewater.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOne of the main barriers to MEC applicability is the bacterial anode. Usually, the bacterial anode contains non-exoelectrogenic bacteria that act as a physical barrier by settling on the anode surface and displacing the exoelectrogenic microorganisms. Those non-exoelectrogens can also compete with exoelectrogenic microorganisms for nutrients and reduce hydrogen production.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe bacterial anode in microbial fuel cells was modified by increasing the biofilm's adhesion to the anode material using kaolin and graphite nanoparticles. The MFCs were inoculated with , kaolin (12.5 g·L), and three different concentrations of graphite (0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe bacterial anode is a key factor for microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance. This study examined the potential of kaolin (fine clay) to enhance bacteria and conductive particle attachment to the anode. The bio-electroactivity of MFCs based on a carbon-cloth anode modified by immobilization with kaolin, activated carbon, and Geobacter sulfurreducens (kaolin-AC), with only kaolin (kaolin), and a bare carbon-cloth (control) anodes were examined.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicrobial electrolysis cells (MECs) are an emerging technology capable of harvesting part of the potential chemical energy in organic compounds while producing hydrogen. One of the main obstacles in MECs is the bacterial anode, which usually contains mixed cultures. Non-exoelectrogens can act as a physical barrier by settling on the anode surface and displacing the exoelectrogenic microorganisms.
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