Microfluidic paper microbial fuel cell powered by Shewanella putrefaciens in IoT cloud framework

The present work demonstrates a miniaturized, easily fabricated, environment-friendly, and cost-effective Microfluidic Paper-based Microbial Fuel Cell (MPMFC) as a potential Energy Harvesting Device. The device consists of a microchannel with a reductant (Shewanella putrefaciens exoelectrogen bacterium with L.B Broth) and oxidant (aerated tap water) flowing over Carbon electrode (anode) and Silver electrode (cathode) using co laminar flow with the self-capillary phenomenon. The electrochemical analysis like Polarization, Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) was evaluated using a potentiostat, and conductivity and sheet resistance were evaluated using a four-point probe instrument. Various bacterial studies, like growth curve study (Optical Density), volumetric concentrations, and incubation time, were carried out to find out the best suitable optimal bacterial conditions. Lastly, detailed element composition study and morphology of the surface of the electrode with biofouling was carried out using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques, respectively. The portable MPMFC yields a maximum power density of 15.4 mW/cm(2) (1340 nA/cm(2)) at 390 mV over 90 mL of culture. Also, An Internet of Things (IoT)/cloud-based hardware has been developed and integrated with MPMFC platform to observe the real-time device performance leading to its longlasting potential to operate miniaturized microelectronics sensors and portable devices. (c) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study presents a miniaturized, environment-friendly microbial fuel cell with high power density achieved through bacterial studies and optimization. By integrating IoT and cloud technology, real-time monitoring of device performance is enabled, demonstrating the potential for long-term operation of microelectronics sensors and portable devices.