Carlo A. Cozzolino, Guido Cerri, Antonio Brundu et al.

Cellulose • 2014

Lucyna Leniowska, Dominik Mazan

Archives of Acoustics • 2015

Abstract In this paper, the MFC sensor and actuators are applied to suppress circular plate vibrations. It is assumed that the system to be regulated is unknown. The mathematical model of the plate was obtained on the base of registration of a system response on a fixed excitation. For the estimation of the system’s behaviour the ARX identification method was used to derive the linear model in the form of a transfer function of the order nine. The obtained model is then used to develop the linear feedback control algorithm for the cancellation of vibration by using the MFC star-shaped actuator (SIMO system). The MFC elements location is dealt with in this study with the use of a laser scanning vibrometer. The control schemes presented have the ability to compute the control effort and to apply it to the actuator within one sampling period. This control scheme is then illustrated through some numerical examples with simulations modelling the designed controller. The paper also describes the experimental results of the designed control system. Finally, the results obtained for the considered plate show that in the chosen frequency limit the designed structure of a closed-loop system with MFC elements provides a substantial vibration suppression.

Shan Shan Lu, Yang Guo Zhao, Ru Liu

Advanced Materials Research • 2013

Dual-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were established to study the effect of seed sludge, carbon sources, buffering solution and stirring on power generation performance. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) technologies were used to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics of bacterial community. The results showed that the MFC feeding with lactic acid obtained 0.57V of electromotive force, and 1.57 W/m 3 of volumetric power density. It reached 0.62V and 2.07 W/m 3 when the carbon source was changed to acetic acid. Compared with anaerobic sludge, aerobic sludge had higher maximum voltage and longer high voltage duration. The stirring and the adding buffer solution improved electricity generation. SEM and DGGE profiles indicated that a large number of bacilli were tightly bound to the anode surface. Microbial community structure on the membrane surface was more similar to suspended sludge than sediment and seed sludge. In conclusion, MFCs perform better with incubating aerobic sludge, feeding acetic acid, adding PBS buffer (50mmol/L) and stirring.

Kang-Jae Kim, Jin-Dong Jung, Soo-Eune Jung et al.

Journal of Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry • 2015

Hui E Chen

Applied Mechanics and Materials • 2014

In this paper, through the powerful visual programming tool called VC++ in the MFC library, used to achieve a function mapping system, its functions include drawing and linewidth graphics settings, select and text color for drawing. At the same time, a detailed implementation process of drawing system and function of the drawing system expansion, improves the system openness and practicality.

Hong-Suck Kim, Byung-Goon Kim, Ryun-Kyung Lee et al.

Journal of Korean Society of Water Science and Technology • 2015

Ergin Taşkan, Bestamin Özkaya, Halil Hasar

Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy • 2015

We evaluated a new electrode material for its capacity to generate electricity by using a cottonseed effluent in two microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Tin‐coated copper (Sn‐coating Cu) mesh and platinum‐coated titanium were used as anode and cathode electrode materials, respectively. For a startup period that allowed slow‐growing electro‐active bacteria to form biofilms on the anode electrode, inoculums were supplied from anaerobic digester sludge (ADS) and estuary sediment (ES). The ADS‐inoculated MFC successfully achieved maximum power density of 160 mW/m 2 , whereas ES‐inoculated MFC had a maximum power density of 59 mW/m 2 . Maximum columbic efficiencies for ADS and ES were 12.8% and 5.6% and the corresponding COD removal efficiencies were 66.6% and 53.6%, respectively. A PCR‐DGGE analysis showed that the anode surface in ADS‐inoculated MFC has more groups of bacteria than that in ES‐inoculated MFC. The kinetic performances of MFCs evaluated by using the Nernst–Monod equation showed that maximum current density ( J max ) increased to around 1.62 A/m 2 in the ADS‐inoculated MFC and 1.06 A/m 2 in the ES‐inoculated MFC. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 110–116, 2016

Marek Płaczek

Advanced Materials Research • 2014

Work presents an analysis and computer aided simulation of one-dimensional vibrating system with advanced piezoelectric transducer used as vibration actuator. A Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) transducer is used in order to excite vibration of the system. The mechanical subsystem is a cantilever bending beam made of steel. The MFC transducer is bonded to the beams surface. Analytical calculations are based on an approximate Galerkin method. The computer aided simulation and analysis of the considered system was carried out using Siemens NX software.

DJANSENA ALRADIX, HIROAKI TANAKA, AKIRA KUDO

The Proceedings of the Space Engineering Conference • 2012

Soojung Choi, Jung Rae Kim, Jaehwan Cha et al.

Bioresource Technology • 2012

A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a non-woven paper fabric filter (NWF) was investigated as an alternative to a proton exchange membrane (PEM) separator. The MFC with a NWF generated a cell voltage of 545 mV and a maximum power density of 1027 mW/m(3), which was comparable to that obtained from MFCs with a PEM (551 mV, 609 mW/m(3)). The MFC with a NWF showed stable cell performance (550 mV) over 300 days, whereas, the MFC with PEM performance decreased significantly from 551 mV to 415 mV due to biofilm formation and chemical precipitation on the membrane surface. Poly [2,5-benzimidazole] (ABPBI) was evaluated with respect to its capacity to increased proton conductivity and contact between separator and electrodes. The overall performance of the MFC with ABPBI was improved by enhancing the ion conductivity and steric contact, producing 766 mW/m(3) at optimum loading of 50 mg ABPBI/cm(2).

Ergin Taskan, Bestamin Ozkaya, Halil Hasar

Water Science and Technology • 2014

This study focuses on two main aspects: developing a novel cost-effective electrode material and power production from domestic wastewater using three different mediators. Methylene blue (MB), neutral red (NR) and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (HNQ) were selected as electrode mediators with different concentrations. A tin-coated copper mesh electrode was tested as anode electrode. Maximum power density of the microbial fuel cell (MFC) with 300 μM MB was 636 mW/m2. Optimal mediator concentrations with respect to the achieved maximum power output for MB, NR and HNQ were 300 μM, 200 μM and 50 μM, respectively. The results demonstrate that tin-coated copper mesh showed a higher biocompatibility and electrical conductivity.

Yu ZHAO, Peng LI, Xiao-bin WANG et al.

Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology • 2012

Xiang-chun Quan, Yan-ping Quan, Kun Tao

Chemical Engineering Journal • 2012

Cao Ngoc Dan Thanh, Rachnarin Nitisoravut

Energy Procedia • 2015

Hossein Jafari Mansoorian, Amir Hossein Mahvi, Ahmad Jonidi Jafari et al.

Enzyme and Microbial Technology • 2013

Anand Parkash

Journal of Bioprocessing & Biotechniques • 2014

Fatima AlZahra’a Alatraktchi, Yifeng Zhang, Irini Angelidaki

Applied Energy • 2014

Samaneh Shahgaldi, Mostafa Ghasemi, Wan Ramli Wan Daud et al.

Fuel Processing Technology • 2014

Juan E. Velez, Carlos Sanchez

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2012

Abstract not Available.

Ali Tardast, Mostafa Rahimnejad, Ghasem Najafpour et al.

Fuel • 2013

John M. Pisciotta, Zehra Zaybak, Douglas F. Call et al.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology • 2012

ABSTRACT Electron-accepting (electrotrophic) biocathodes were produced by first enriching graphite fiber brush electrodes as the anodes in sediment-type microbial fuel cells (sMFCs) using two different marine sediments and then electrically inverting the anodes to function as cathodes in two-chamber bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). Electron consumption occurred at set potentials of −439 mV and −539 mV (versus the potential of a standard hydrogen electrode) but not at −339 mV in minimal media lacking organic sources of energy. Results at these different potentials were consistent with separate linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) scans that indicated enhanced activity (current consumption) below only ca. −400 mV. MFC bioanodes not originally acclimated at a set potential produced electron-accepting (electrotrophic) biocathodes, but bioanodes operated at a set potential (+11 mV) did not. CO 2 was removed from cathode headspace, indicating that the electrotrophic biocathodes were autotrophic. Hydrogen gas generation, followed by loss of hydrogen gas and methane production in one sample, suggested hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. There was abundant microbial growth in the biocathode chamber, as evidenced by an increase in turbidity and the presence of microorganisms on the cathode surface. Clone library analysis of 16S rRNA genes indicated prominent sequences most similar to those of Eubacterium limosum ( Butyribacterium methylotrophicum ), Desulfovibrio sp. A2, Rhodococcus opacus , and Gemmata obscuriglobus . Transfer of the suspension to sterile cathodes made of graphite plates, carbon rods, or carbon brushes in new BESs resulted in enhanced current after 4 days, demonstrating growth by these microbial communities on a variety of cathode substrates. This report provides a simple and effective method for enriching autotrophic electrotrophs by the use of sMFCs without the need for set potentials, followed by the use of potentials more negative than −400 mV.

Animesh Deval, Anil Kumar Dikshit

APCBEE Procedia • 2012

R. Muruganantham, S. Annamalaisundaram, D. Sangeetha et al.

Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology • 2012

One of the most pressing environmental problems faced globally is waste management and landfill space. Remanufacturing is one of the green manufacturing techniques in which the geometrical form of the product is retained and the product is reused for the same purpose as during its original life cycle. This work analyzes the remanufacturability of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) which is the heart of the polymer-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). MEA was obtained by sandwiching the membrane (proton conducting membrane) between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell by hot pressing the anode and cathode onto the membrane at a desired temperature, pressure for a period of time. It is observed that 10% of MEAs are getting wasted while manufacturing it in the laboratory level. In order to utilize these waste MEAs, remanufacurability analysis is done. Wastages created in manufacturing (hot pressing) of MEA can be reduced by optimizing the manufacturing process parameters, such as temperature of the press, pressure applied, pressing time, and thickness of membrane. Using design of experiment and ANOVA contributing factors which influence the quality of MEA are identified with the help of DESIGN EXPERT software. Optimal values of process parameters are found out using desirability function in the software. The process parameter optimization will lead to reduction of wastage of MEA in hot pressing operation but these wastes cannot be avoided completely due to the presence of uncontrollable factors. So remanufacturability analysis will be useful for investigating the wastes. As a part of remanufacurability analysis design consideration for remanufacturing and recycling, the procedure for recovering the valuable materials from the retired membrane electrode assembly, reusing of electrodes are discussed. Two simulation models (current manufacturing system and manufacturing system with remanufacturing) have been created in WITNESS software in order to find the benefits of remanufacturing. The benefits are increase in MEA production and recovery of scrapped anode and cathode. Increase in MEA production due to remanufacturing has been found as 11.11%. Because of recovery process in remanufacturing, 10% of scrapped anode and cathode are utilized which leads to zero scrap of anode and cathode.

Nader Mokhtarian, Mostafa Ghasemi, Wan Ramli Wan Daud et al.

Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology • 2013

The characteristics of four new proton-conducting membranes, Nafion112/polyaniline composite membranes of various compositions, are studied for application as membrane separators in microbial fuel cells. The composite membranes are made by immersing Nafion-112 membranes in a solution containing aniline for different immersion times. The presence of polyaniline and sulfonic functional groups in the composite membranes is confirmed by means of Fourier transform infrared analysis while their surface roughness is determined by using atomic force microscopy prior to microbial fuel cell operation. Biofouling on the membranes' surface is also examined by using a scanning electron microscope after microbial fuel cell operation. The polarization curves and, hence, the power density curves are measured by varying the load's resistance. The power density of the microbial fuel cell with the Nafion/polyaniline composite membranes improves significantly as the amount of polyaniline increases because the interaction between sulfonic groups in the Nafion matrix and polyaniline in the polyaniline domains increases proton conductivity. However, it declines after more polyaniline is added because of less conjugated bonding of polyaniline and sulfonic acid groups for larger polyaniline domains in the Nafion matrix. The voltage overpotential is also smaller as the amount of polyaniline increases. Biofouling also decreases with increasing polyaniline in the Nafion/polyaniline composite membranes because they have smoother surfaces than Nafion membranes. The results show that the maximum power generated by the microbial fuel cells with Nafion112-polyaniline composite membrane is 124.03 mV m−2 with a current density of 454.66 mA m−2, which is approximately more than ninefold higher than that of microbial fuel cells with neat Nafion-112. It can be concluded that the power density of the microbial fuel cell can be increased by modifying the Nafion membrane separators with more conductive polymers that are less susceptible to biofouling to improve its proton conductivity.

Karnit Bahartan, Liron Amir, Alvaro Israel et al.

ChemSusChem • 2012

Abstract A microbial fuel cell (MFC) was designed in which fuel is generated in the cell by the enzyme glucoamylase, which is displayed on the surface of yeast. The enzyme digests starch specifically into monomeric glucose units and as a consequence enables further glucose oxidation by microorganisms present in the MFC anode. The oxidative enzyme glucose oxidase was coupled to the glucoamylase digestive enzyme. When both enzymes were displayed on the surface of yeast cells in a mixed culture, superior fuel‐cell performance was observed in comparison with other combinations of yeast cells, unmodified yeast, or pure enzymes. The feasibility of the use of the green macroalgae Ulva lactuca in such a genetically modified MFC was also demonstrated. Herein, we report the performance of such fuel cells as a proof of concept for the enzymatic digestion of complex organic fuels in the anode of MFCs to render the fuel more available to microorganisms.

Yan Li, Yining Wu, Bingchuan Liu et al.

Bioresource Technology • 2015

Vaishnav Kiran, Bharti Gaur

Reviews in Chemical Engineering • 2012

Zhi-Kai LU, Yu-Bin FU, Qian XU et al.

Journal of Inorganic Materials • 2013

Jie Wang, Yawen Zheng, Hui Jia et al.

Bioresource Technology • 2014

Hidetoshi Ogikubo, Naoto Ohtake

Key Engineering Materials • 2012

Bio- Fuel Cell is promising technology to overcome global issue. However, there are many problems in Bio-fuel cell using organism catalyst because research of this type of fuel cell is started in only few years. Purpose of this research is to obtain high electric power using new type of electrode in Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). Firstly, three types of electrodes were prepared. Those are (1) painted CNT (Carbon Nanotube) by Ag paste, (2) only Ag paste (without CNT) and (3) bare carbon thin plate. MFC with CNT painted (2) electrode generated high current density and high power in MFC, but its E.M.F (Electromotive Force) was decreased. When CNT painting was applied only to anode, high current and power densities were attained without reducing E.M.F.

A. Verma, R. Pitchumani

Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology • 2015

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells are well suited for automotive applications compared to other types of fuel cells owing to their faster transient response and low-temperature operation. Due to rapid change in loads during automotive applications, study of dynamic behavior is of paramount importance. This study focuses on elucidating the transient response of a PEM fuel cell for specified changes in operating parameters, namely, voltage, pressure, and stoichiometry at the cathode and the anode. Transient numerical simulations are carried out for a single-channel PEM fuel cell to illustrate the response of power as the operating parameters are subjected to specified changes. These parameters are also optimized with an objective to match the power requirements of an automotive drive cycle over a certain period of time.

O. Lefebvre, A. Uzabiaga, Y. J. Shen et al.

Water Science and Technology • 2011

A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for microbial fuel cells (MEA-MFC) was developed for continuous electricity production while treating domestic wastewater concurrently. It was optimized via three upgraded versions (noted α, β and γ) in terms of design (current collectors, hydrophilic separator nature) and operating conditions (hydraulic retention time, external resistance, aeration rate, recirculation). An overall rise of power by over 100% from version α to γ shows the importance of factors such as the choice of proper construction materials and prevention of short-circuits. A power of 2.5 mW was generated with a hydraulic retention time of 2.3 h when a Selemion proton exchange membrane was used as a hydrophilic separator in the MEA and 2.8 mW were attained with a reverse osmosis membrane. The MFC also showed a competitive value of internal resistance (≈40–50 Ω) as compared to the literature, especially considering its large volume (3 L). However, the operation of our system in a complete loop where the anolyte was allowed to trickle over the cathode (version γ) resulted in system failure.

Lu Lu, Defeng Xing, Zhiyong Jason Ren

Bioresource Technology • 2015

Glyn Kennell, Godwin, Evitts

Reports in Electrochemistry • 2012

A. Hussain, P. Mehta, V. Raghavan et al.

Enzyme and Microbial Technology • 2012

Patrick D. Kiely, Roland Cusick, Douglas F. Call et al.

Bioresource Technology • 2010

Parisa Noori, Ghasem Najafpour Darzi

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry • 2015

Abstract Development and practical application of microbial fuel cell (MFC) is restricted because of the limitations such as low power output. To overcome low power limitation, the optimization of specific parameters including electrode materials and surface area, electrode spacing, and MFC's cell shape was investigated. To the best of our knowledge, no investigation has been reported in the literature to implement an annular single‐chamber microbial fuel cell (ASCMFC) using chocolate industry wastewater. ASCMFC was fabricated via optimization of the stated parameters. The aspects of ASCMFC were comprehensively examined. In this study, the optimization of electrode spacing and its impact on performance of the ASCMFC were conducted. Reduction of electrode spacing by 46.15% (1.3–0.7 cm) resulted in a decrease in internal resistance from 100 to 50 Ω, which enhanced the power density and current output to 22.898 W/m 3 and 6.42 mA, respectively. An optimum electrode spacing of 0.7 cm was determined. Through this paper, the effects of these parameters and the performance of ASCMFC are also evaluated.

Carlo Santoro, Sofia Babanova, Kateryna Artyushkova et al.

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2014

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a promising technology that explores biological and electrochemical processes to generate electricity from variety of organic compounds (wastes and wastewater) [1]. Developed at the beginning of 20-th century, regarding the significant achievements, MFCs are still “lab stage” devices. One way to overcome the “lab stage” is the materials characterization and optimization. Besides the necessity of well studied and understood bacterial behavior in MFCs, the knowledge of how materials and design, as well as design parameters are influencing MFCs performance is a main task placed in front of the researchers in this area. In the traditional fuel cells, the structure-to-property modeling is recognized as an effective approach to identify the key parameters influencing the system behavior and to discover the correlations between these parameters and the final characteristics. The same approach must be introduced in MFCs in order to address the questions that the conventional fuel cells faced and overcame years ago. In this study, structure-to-property relationship of different carbonaceous materials suitable for anode and cathode electrodes development have been developed in details and related to the performance of these electrodes was explored in real MFCs. Commercially available carbon paper (Toray® paper) was studied as material for anodes preparation. Surface parameters, such as wettability, porosity and roughness have been determined and related to the bacterial attachment and biofilm formation, as well as MFCs start up time. On the other end “home-made” activated carbon was studied as a material for the design of cathode electrodes and optimized varying the applied pressure and the magnitude of the temperature treatment step. These two parameters showed significant influence on the cathodes surface chemistry and morphology and thus on the cathodes electrochemical behavior. In both cases surface-to-property relationship approach was applied to understand the similarities and differences in the studied electrodes and highlight the properties that are important for improved MFCs performance. Carbon paper (Toray® H-090) with different PTFE content (0, 20, 40 and 60%wt PTFE) was used as anode material. The results showed that the increase in PTFE content led to an increase in roughness in both macro (100-300 μm) and micro-scale (5-10 μm) along with an increase of the porosity at macro-scale underling the presence of higher number of large pores [2]. At the contrary, the higher PTFE content led to a lower number of small pores (5-10 μm) that are the one preferred by bacteria for bacterial attachment and biofilm formation [2]. The contact angles measured varied between 135° and 155°, showing high hydrophobicity independent from the PTFE amount. After immersion in wastewater for 2 weeks, the contact angle dropped dramatically to slightly hydrophobic or completely hydrophilic. This phenomenon was mainly due to biofilm attachment on the surface that enhanced the wettability of the materials. Variation of anodes weight over time was also monitored to correlate the materials surface properties to bacteria attachment and further biofilm formation. The materials lost their hydrophobicity proportionally to the PTFE content and due to that the Toray® carbon paper with low PTFE content (0 and 20%wt PTFE) had higher increase in weight (wet and dry) compared to the other materials tested (40 and 60%wt PTFE) (Fig. 1) [2]. The reason is the increased number of small pores, which enhanced biofilm formation. The start up trend followed the biofilm attachment with the faster start up achieved by the Toray® with no PTFE treatment (Fig. 1) [2]. All of these points out the importance of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties and surface morphology on biofilm formation and subsequently the start up period of MFCs [2]. Even more detailed study was carried out for the developed gas-diffusion cathodes based on activated carbon. In this case except the surface morphology parameters, the surface chemistry and charge transfer resistance were included in the surface-to-property study and correlated with the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. Significant dataset was collected and processed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), which is a statistical tool for data analysis (Fig. 2). The change in surface chemistry (determined using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) due to PTFE variation was found to have significant influence on the power output. The highest current was observed for samples with largest amounts of carbon oxides and oxygenated tetrafluroethylene (cathodes treated at 200°C). At the contrary, the highest resistance as well as lowest performance was noticed for the sample having increased amount of fully fluorinated carbons. It was found out that the magnitude of the applied pressure also determines the resistance of the cathodes showing reverse proportionality. Based on this study we can conclude that a step forward in the MFCs development can be done only with detailed investigation of surface-to-property relationships. Further studies on materials towards deeper characterizations should be addressed and parameter considered until know as insignificant or completely ignored have to be examined. [1] C. Santoro, Y. Lei, B. Li, P. Cristiani. Biochemical Engineering J. 2012;62:8–16. [2] C. Santoro, M. Guilizzoni, J.P. Correa Baena, U. Pasaogullari, A. Casalegno, B. Li, S. Babanova, K. Artyushkova, P. Atanassov. Carbon, 2013. DOI : 10.1016/j.carbon.2013.09.071

A. N. Al-Shehri, K. M. Ghanem, S. M. Al-Garni

Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering • 2012

Meiling Chi

Journal of Microbial & Biochemical Technology • 2012