Integration of various technology-based approaches for enhancing the performance of microbial fuel cell technology: A review

The conflict between climate change and growing global energy demand is an immense sustainability challenge that requires noteworthy scientific and technological developments. Recently the importance of microbial fuel cell (MFC) on this issue has seen profound investigation due to its inherent ability of simultaneous wastewater treatment, and power production. However, the challenges of economy-related manufacturing and operation costs should be lowered to achieve positive field-scale demonstration. Also, a variety of different field de-ployments will lead to improvisation. Hence, this review article discusses the possibility of integration of MFC technology with various technologies of recent times leading to advanced sustainable MFC technology. Tech-nological innovation in the field of nanotechnology, genetic engineering, additive manufacturing, artificial in-telligence, adaptive control, and few other hybrid systems integrated with MFCs is discussed. This comprehensive and state-of-the-art study elaborates hybrid MFCs integrated with various technology and its working principles, modified electrode material, complex and easy to manufacture reactor designs, and the effects of various operating parameters on system performances. Although integrated systems are promising, much future research work is needed to overcome the challenges and commercialize hybrid MFC technology.

Automated summary

The conflict between climate change and growing global energy demand presents a significant sustainability challenge, with microbial fuel cells (MFCs) showing promise in simultaneous wastewater treatment and power production. However, reducing the economic challenges related to manufacturing and operation costs is essential for successful implementation. Integration of MFC technology with various recent technologies holds potential for advanced sustainable MFC technology, but further research is needed to overcome challenges and commercialize hybrid MFC systems.