Planar co-laminar flow microbial fuel cell with flow-through porous electrodes

Co-laminar flow microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with flow-through electrodes are proposed to improve the power density. Carbon paper was used for the porous electrodes and the membrane-less MFCs containing a microscale (5.4 mu L) anode chamber were microfabricated in a planar monolithic cell for integration with microfluidic devices. The diffusion region between the electrolytes was numerically analyzed and fuel cell performance experiments were conducted with a wastewater inoculum-based mixed culture biofilm. The effects of the electrolyte flow rate (1-30 mu L min(-1)) and electrode width (0.5-2.0 mm) on the fuel cell performance were investigated. The power density was maximized at 692 +/- 34 W m(-3) under optimal conditions including a 10 mu L min(-1) flow rate and 1.5 mm electrode width, resulting in suitable biofilm formation and low internal resistance. This study provides valuable information for the commercialization of microfluidic MFCs as a power source for portable medical and electronic instruments.

Automated summary

The study proposes co-laminar flow microbial fuel cells with flow-through electrodes to improve power density and optimizes fuel cell performance through microfabrication technology. The research provides valuable insights for the commercialization of microfluidic MFCs as power sources for portable medical and electronic instruments.