Shentan Liu, Feifan Lu, Dengfei Qiu et al.

Journal of Water Process Engineering • 2022

Liping Fan, Wanxue Feng

Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering • 2024

Iryna Rusyn, Yamini Mittal, Wilgince Apollon

Journal of Power Sources • 2025

Shu-Hui Liu, Jin-Shuo Liu, Chi‐Wen Lin

Journal of Water Process Engineering • 2023

Bridget K. Mutuma, Ndeye F. Sylla, Amanda Bubu et al.

Electrochimica Acta • 2021

Vinícius Fabiano dos Passos, Sidney Aquino Neto, Adalgisa Rodrigues de Andrade et al.

Scientia Agricola • 2016

In microbial fuel cells (MFCs), the oxidation of organic compounds catalyzed by microorganisms (anode) generates electricity via electron transfer to an external circuit that acts as an electron acceptor (cathode). Microbial fuel cells differ in terms of the microorganisms employed and the nature of the oxidized organic compound. In this study, a consortium of anaerobic microorganisms helped to treat the secondary sludge obtained from a sewage treatment plant. The microorganisms were grown in a 250 mL bioreactor containing a carbon cloth. The reactor was fed with media containing acetate (as the carbon source) for 48 days. Concomitantly, the electrochemical data were measured with the aid of a digital multimeter and data acquisition system. At the beginning of the MFC operation, power density was low, probably due to slow microorganism growth and adhesion. The power density increased from the 15th day of operation, reaching a value of 13.5 μW cm–2 after ca. 24 days of operation, and remained stable until the end of the process. Compared with data in the literature, this power density value is promising; improvements in the MFC design and operation could increase this value even further. The system investigated herein employed excess sludge as a biocatalyst in an MFC. This opens up the possibility of using organic acids and/or carbohydrate-rich effluents to feed MFCs, and thereby provide simultaneous effluent treatment and energy generation.

Yin Zhou, Dong Xu, Enrong Xiao et al.

Journal of Environmental Sciences • 2017

Suhas K. Kadam, Anuprita D. Watharkar, Vishal V. Chandanshive et al.

Journal of Cleaner Production • 2018

Weihua He, Maxwell J. Wallack, Kyoung‐Yeol Kim et al.

Water Research • 2016

Tean-Peng Teoh, Soon‐An Ong, Li‐Ngee Ho et al.

Journal of Water Process Engineering • 2020

Mengni Tao, Lin Guan, Zhao Jing et al.

The Science of The Total Environment • 2019

Chung‐Yu Guan, Kai-Chun Hung, Chang‐Ping Yu

Journal of Cleaner Production • 2025

Wilgince Apollon, Alejandro Isabel Luna-Maldonado, Sathish‐Kumar Kamaraj et al.

SSRN Electronic Journal • 2022

Ye.Ye. Zhatkanbayev, K.A. Kurtibay, Zh. K. Zhatkanbayeva et al.

BULLETIN of the L N Gumilyov Eurasian National University Chemistry Geography Ecology Series • 2023

The article presents data on the current state of using combined engineered wetlands and microbial fuel cells and on the factors that provide wastewater treatment and power generation. Wastewater treatment is one of the energy-intensive industries, with most of this energy being used to supply oxygen from the atmosphere to biological reactors to oxidize effluent organic matter. Both classical and new water purification methods, including biological post-treatment, are used to increase the degree of purification and reduce energy losses. The simplest and most effective way is soil cleaning using the technology of irrigation and filtration fields, as well as wetlands. Data are presented on plant-microbial fuel cells that perform wastewater treatment and are a way to generate electricity through microbiological oxidation of organic substances with oxygen. Fuel cells based on "Constructed Wetlands" sedimentary type, which received widespread use in recent years. Even though "Wetlands" have been widely used for wastewater treatment since the 70s of the last century, the modern use of Constructed Wetlands is an imitation of a swamp with aquatic plants, soil, and associated microorganisms due to the possibility of generating electricity in such systems. Presented results of experimental plant-microbial fuel cells from plants (PMFCs) of various natures. As a result of the conducted studies of experimental systems with PMFCs, stainless steel, and graphite electrodes were selected, developing the highest potential, the optimal distance between the electrodes in the plant was determined, which was 10 cm and was established, that of plants more effective were plants of pistia, then rice and eihornia, which have a well-developed root system, the smallest indicators of the current generation were in the reed

Shuyao Wang, Yvan Gariépy, Ademola Adekunle et al.

Journal of Cleaner Production • 2023

Sibin Gan, Boneng Chen, Liye Li et al.

ACS Applied Bio Materials • 2024

Plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) is an emerging technology, showing promise for environmental biosensors and sustainable energy production. Despite its potential, PMFCs struggle with issues like low power output and limited drought resistance. Recent studies proposed that integrating biochar may enhance PMFC performance due to its physicochemical properties. The influence of different biochar types on PMFC efficiency has been minimally explored. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the performance of PMFCs integrated with various biochar types under unsaturated soil conditions. The study found that the addition of biochar types─specifically reed straw biochar (RSB), apple wood biochar (AWB), and corn straw biochar (CSB)─significantly influenced the performance of PMFCs. RSB, with its large surface area and porous structure, notably increased the current output by reducing soil resistance and enhancing electron transfer efficiency in microbial reduction reactions, achieving a peak power density of approximately 1608 mW/m 2 . AWB, despite its less porous structure, leveraged its high cation exchange capacity and hydrophilic functional groups to foster microbial community growth and diversity, thereby also increasing bioelectricity output. Conversely, CSB, with its large surface area, showed the least improvement in PMFC performance due to its layered structure and lower water retention capacity. Additionally, under drought conditions, PMFCs with added RSB and AWB exhibited better drought resistance due to their ability to improve soil moisture characteristics and enhance soil conductivity. The addition of biochar reduced soil resistance, increasing the bioelectric output of PMFCs and maintaining good performance even under low moisture conditions. This study highlights the critical role of biochar's surface area and functional groups in optimizing PMFC performance. It enhances our understanding of PMFC optimization and might offer a novel power generation method for the future, while also presenting a fresh strategy for soil monitoring.

Zhihao Lu, Di Yin, Peng Chen et al.

Applied Energy • 2020

Iryna Rusyn, Oleksandr Medvediev

Bioresource Technology Reports • 2024

Vinh Ngọc Nguyễn, Rachnarin Nitisoravut

2019 IEEE Asia Power and Energy Engineering Conference (APEEC) • 2019

Plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) is an intriguing and sustainable technology which can spontaneously generate electricity from biodegradable materials excreted through plant roots in rhizosphere by electroactive microbes. In this study, experiments were conducted to determine the effects of soil water contents, temperature fluctuations, and circadian rhythm on current and power densities of PMFCs using Purple guinea grass. Three PMFC systems were investigated including dry-soil, wet-soil, and waterlog PMFC under greenhouse temperature of 27 – 47°C. Plants cultivation in waterlog were found to deliver a better performance as compared to the others with power density of 10.13 mW/m2of anode area. Wet soil and arid soil provided power densities of 6.7 and 2.3 mW/ m2, respectively. Soil water contents and temperature were found to have a substantial role in controlling the system performance. In account for temperature variations during the period of study, average power densities of 4.4, 5.9, and 6.0 mW/m2were obtained at a high temperature range between 41 °C to 47 °C for dry-, wet- and waterlog-soil, respectively. Within the intermediate temperature range of 34 °C to 41 °C, the obtained power densities were 1.0, 1.7, and 1.9 mW/m2while 0.3, 0.4, and 0.6 mW/m2were attained for a low temperature range of 27 °C – 34 °C for dry-, wet- and waterlog soil, respectively. The lower performance during low temperature were attributed to the electroactive bacteria activities in anode and the carbohydrate metabolism of plants. The power and current outputs during photo-period were much higher than at night. These outcomes authenticated that PMFCs are significantly affected by soil water contents, ambient temperatures, and photosynthesis.

Kumar Sonu, Monika Sogani, Meena Sharma

International Journal of Environmental Studies • 2021

The search for renewable energy sources has led to the development of plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs). In this study, Epipremnum aureum plant species was used to generate bioelectricity in a PMFC, demonstrating the synergistic effect of corn cob and carbon road on the power generation and plant growth in PMFC. The maximum voltage output of PMFC with the composite corn cob and carbon rod anode was 465 mV which was 367 mV potential higher than the PMFC with the carbon rod anode only. The maximum power density obtained was 6.75 mW/m2. The results suggest that the use of corn cob has improved the biocompatibility of PMFC. The design of PMFC devices has been developed to increase power output which will be the next step of this research.

Kristopher Ray S. Pamintuan, Maria Aira L. Calma, Kristine Anne D. Feliciano et al.

IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science • 2020

Abstract Although renewable sources of energy including geothermal, hydropower, wind, solar and biomass are utilized by the Philippines, coal-fired power plants remain the main source of electrical energy consumed by Filipino households. To lessen the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, new and innovative sources of renewable energy should be explored. Plant-Microbial Fuel Cells (PMFCs) are a promising renewable energy technology that can be used to supplement our demand for electricity. PMFCs utilize the metabolic processes of certain bacteria in the roots of a plant to generate clean electricity. This study tested the potential of generating electricity from three common house plants in a PMFC set-up: Spider Plant ( Chlorophytum comosum ), Portulaca Flower ( Portulaca oleracea ), and Dumb Canes ( Dieffenbachia amoena ). A simple set-up was prepared using low-cost materials. Open circuit voltage and current was continuously monitored to determine the power output of the PMFCs. C. comosum registered the highest maximum power density out of the three plants, at 30.39 mW/m 2 . The results of this study has direct implications to how house plants are kept. Instead of keeping them for aesthetics, the added value of green energy produced can be valuable for powering devices in-situ .

Huiyang Wen, Hui Zhu, Baixing Yan et al.

Chemosphere • 2020

Roshan Regmi, Rachnarin Nitisoravut, Jaranaboon Ketchaimongkol

Biofuels • 2018

Plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) have emerged as a renewable source of energy that can produce concurrent bioelectricity and biomass continuously in a clean, sustainable and efficient manner. The core idea lies in the conversion of the solar energy trapped by plants into electricity with the aid of bacterial actions in the rhizosphere of plants. PMFC research is still in an early phase. However, many stakeholders including private organizations, universities and individuals are currently experimenting with and building their own PMFC prototypes to improve the power delivered while exploiting complementary advantages such as treatment of wastewater. PMFC is a new technology and involves multidisciplinary fields ranging from the study of microbes to electrochemistry, electrical engineering, chemical engineering and plant science itself. The science of the relationship that exists among these aspects in terms of system performance is still not clarified. PMFC relies on a biological process and can be operated under mild operating conditions. After proof of the principle in 2008 on rhizosphere-mediated electricity production, many advancements have been made. This mini review aims to provide a concise update on PMFC research. Some important breakthroughs are mentioned, along with discussion of the present scenario and future directions.

Liyan Di, Yue Li, Likai Nie et al.

Journal of Hazardous Materials • 2020

Shrirang Maddalwar, Kush Kumar Nayak, Lal Singh

Bioresource Technology Reports • 2023

M. Azizul Moqsud, Tomohiro Okamoto

Bioresource Technology Reports • 2023

Emilius Sudirjo, Paola Y. Constantino Diaz, Matteo Cociancich et al.

Energies • 2020

Large-scale implementation of (plant) microbial fuel cells is greatly limited by high electrode costs. In this work, the potential of exploiting electrochemically active self-assembled biofilms in fabricating three-dimensional bioelectrodes for (plant) microbial fuel cells with minimum use of electrode materials was studied. Three-dimensional robust bioanodes were successfully developed with inexpensive polyurethane foams (PU) and activated carbon (AC). The PU/AC electrode bases were fabricated via a water-based sorption of AC particles on the surface of the PU cubes. The electrical current was enhanced by growth of bacteria on the PU/AC bioanode while sole current collectors produced minor current. Growth and electrochemical activity of the biofilm were shown with SEM imaging and DNA sequencing of the microbial community. The electric conductivity of the PU/AC electrode enhanced over time during bioanode development. The maximum current and power density of an acetate fed MFC reached 3 mA·m−2 projected surface area of anode compartment and 22 mW·m−3 anode compartment. The field test of the Plant-MFC reached a maximum performance of 0.9 mW·m−2 plant growth area (PGA) at a current density of 5.6 mA·m−2 PGA. A paddy field test showed that the PU/AC electrode was suitable as an anode material in combination with a graphite felt cathode. Finally, this study offers insights on the role of electrochemically active biofilms as natural enhancers of the conductivity of electrodes and as transformers of inert low-cost electrode materials into living electron acceptors.

Kristopher Ray S. Pamintuan, Carl Samuel A. Reyes, Dheya Kristalyn O. Lat

E3S Web of Conferences • 2020

Plant-microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) are a class of renewable biomass energy that relies on the rhizodeposition of plants to generate power. In this study, the optimization of electrode spacing, number, and combinations were studied to maximize the power output of a soil PMFC growing Cynodon dactylon . To achieve this, compartmentalization tests were carried out as well as polarization. The anode-cathode distance was found to produce the highest voltage at 3 inches apart, wherein a smaller gap resulted to lower power, and a slight increase in the gap did not result to a loss of power. The use of multiple electrodes was also examined, and the results have shown that maximum power was obtained at inter-electrode distance of 18 cm. Smaller gaps registered lower voltages, and larger gaps gave a sudden drop in voltage. The effect of limiting one electrode was also observed. In anode-limiting conditions, it was found that both power and power density were maximum when there are 4 cathodes corresponding to one anode. When the reverse was done, it was shown that both power and power density continuously dropped if there are multiple anodes corresponding to one cathode only. This led to the conclusion that cathode design is more crucial in PMFCs as it utilizes the rate-limiting step. The tests of using multiple paired electrodes to determine the power-power density relationship results to a contradiction of behaviour in MFCs, wherein both power and power density increases as the electrode surface area is increased. These results are important building blocks to the goal of utilizing PMFCs in the future in larger scales with appreciable power generation.

Kiran Kumar V., Man mohan K., P. Manju et al.

Energy Conversion and Management • 2023

Edith Osorio‐de‐la‐Rosa, Mirna Valdez‐Hernández, Javier Vázquez‐Castillo et al.

Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments • 2023

Yamina Mounia Azri, Insaf Tou, Meriem Sadi

Biofuels • 2023

The plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) is an unexpected source of electricity. However, several constraints must be overcome before PMFC can be used as a bioelectricity source. One of the major challenges is to improve electrode performance. In this study, three types of electrodes were tested on PMFC planted with chlorophytum sp, two are made of stainless steel (SS) 436, (SS) 316 and the third is with graphite. The plant with graphite has showed a high tension OCV (400 mV) compared to SS 436 (106 mV) and SS 316 (150 mV), by investing further, the chronoamperometry had shown a more significant current 2 A/m2 with graphite electrode than SS 316 with maximal value 0.12 A/m2 while the SS 436 electrode had metal deterioration, this was later confirmed by a Tafel test, in which SS 436 had the highest current corrosion density. As expected, the maximum current and power densities of PMFC with graphite electrode achieved 20.4 mA/m2 and 37 µW/m2 respectively that were higher than that densities of the PMFC with SS 316 (5.33 mA/m2 and 23 µW/m2) and the PMFC with SS 436 (2.2 mA/m2 and 10.5 µW/m2). According to the finding of this study, graphite was found to be the most suitable electrode material for PMFC application using rhizospheric soil.

Mostofa Mujtahid Al Hussain, Md. Abdullah Yousuf Al Harun, Md Mezbaul Bahar et al.

Energy Conversion and Management • 2024

Debajyoti Bose, Riya Bhattacharya, Pranathi Ganti et al.

Energy Nexus • 2024

In p-MFCs living plants photosynthesize within a bio-electrochemical circuit. The plant exudes organic waste material from the roots. In the rhizosphere, bacteria consume these wastes by oxidizing them in contrast to the atmosphere that reduces it. This redox reaction along with photosynthesis can be harnessed as bioelectricity. In this work, the plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal was used for generating bioelectricity from the root exudates and organic matter available in the soil. An open circuit voltage of 930±21 mV was achieved between multiple cycles of operation. The cell voltage further increased to 1260±140 mV with enrichment in the form of discards from vegetable matter. The peak recorded voltage was 1400 mV. Graphite fibre felt electrodes ensured uniform microbial growth with power densities that were achieved at 57 mW/m2 and 84 mW/m2 with and without enrichment respectively. ATR-FTIR demonstrated complete degradation of specific compounds attached to the carbon matrix in the soil along with the polysaccharide content from the enrichments. Additionally, this work also monitored the changes in soil pH and its homogeneity, the impact of photosynthetically active radiation, humidity, and the presence of CO2 in the air, and how it affects plant growth and ultimately the microbes at the rhizosphere which accounted for the bioremediation and the resultant bioelectricity production. SEM imaging provided additional evidence that the presence of electrochemically active soil bacteria, an anaerobic environment, and electrode characteristics are crucial for the development of conductive biofilms.

Gull Wareen, Maimona Saeed, Noshin Ilyas et al.

Chemosphere • 2022

Boneng Chen, Liye Li, Weiling Cai et al.

Biomass and Bioenergy • 2024

Emerson Ramírez Ballestas, Edson Campanhola Bortoluzzi, Antônio Humberto Hamad Minervino et al.

Renewable Energy • 2023

Grégory Bataillou, O. Ondel, Naoufel Haddour

Journal of Power Sources • 2023

Gamze Karanfil Kacmaz, Numan Eczacıoğlu

Environmental Technology Reviews • 2023

On a global perspective, organic wastes should be conceived as a precious resource that can be advantageous and in line with the waste-to-energy concept. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an up-and-coming bio-electrochemical technology developed to efficiently generate bioelectricity from various organic wastes, using microorganisms as catalysts. Soil can be used to produce electrical energy in MFCs, which transform chemical energy from soil organic compounds into electricity through catalysis by soil-derived microorganisms. In soil/plant microbial fuel cells (SMFC/PMFC), the soil behaves as a nutrient-rich anodic medium, as a resource of electrochemically active microorganisms and as a proton exchange membrane (PEM). In addition to the advantages of SMFC technology, it faces practical obstacles such as low power and current density. SMFC/PMFC systems can be developed through an understanding of previous work by describing their working methods and the theoretical foundations on which they are built. Also, a wide variety of criteria that are likely to limit their performance can be identified by giving a brief description of their components. This study reviews the various components that make up the SMFC/PMFC systems and offers suggestions that allow to illuminate the various scientific locks that continue to limit the effectiveness of the technology. This review will provide a discussion of the mechanism of SMFC/PMFCs, which the researchers highlighted as one of the renewable energy conversion systems, and details about the conversion of some of the energy available in organic wastes by electrochemically active microorganisms. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Fang‐Yi Lin, Yao‐Yu Lin, Hsin-Tien Li et al.

Applied Energy • 2022

Roman Lepikash, Daria Lavrova, Д. И. Стом et al.

Energies • 2024

Environmental pollution is becoming ubiquitous; it has a negative impact on ecosystem diversity and worsens the quality of human life. This review discusses the possibility of applying the plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) technology for concurrent processes of electricity generation and the purification of water and soil ecosystems from organic pollutants, particularly from synthetic surfactants and heavy metals. The review describes PMFCs’ functioning mechanisms and highlights the issues of PMFCs’ environmental application. Generally, this work summarizes different approaches to PMFC development and to the potential usage of such hybrid bioelectrochemical systems for environmental protection.