Optimal Anode Chamber Volume and Minimum Anode Area for Microbial Fuel Cells in Wastewater Treatment

What is it about?

The article discusses determining the optimal single anode chamber volume and minimum anode surface area for microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to achieve maximum energy recovery. A systematic approach is proposed based on substrate requirements, biofilm formation, polarization curves, and charge transfer kinetics. The study reveals that a smaller anode chamber volume (2.02 liters) is optimal for treating wastewater with a chemical oxygen demand of 5 g/L, producing a maximum current of 750 mA. The minimum anode surface area required is dominated by charge transfer kinetics and biofilm formation. Commercialization of MFCs is shown to be feasible with the use of catalyzed electrodes to support higher current densities and minimize the number of anode chambers required for treating wastewater while extracting maximum energy in the form of electricity.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it aims to determine the optimal single anode chamber volume and minimum anode surface area for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). As MFCs have the potential to treat wastewater and generate electricity, understanding the scale-up of these devices is crucial for their successful implementation in full-scale applications. Key Takeaways: 1. The optimal single anode chamber volume is proposed based on substrate requirements, COD consumed, and the maximum current produced to ensure the dominance of electrogenesis in the anode chamber of MFCs. 2. A V an of 2.02 l is optimal for a single anode chamber to produce a current up to 750 mA when treating wastewater with a COD of 5 g l^-1, which is the maximum possible current estimated from the electromotive force equation. 3. The minimum A an required is dominated by charge transfer kinetics, which satisfies the area required for biofilm formation, MFC polarization, and mass transfer. It is essential to provide the minimum A an in a MFC to ensure the dominance of electrogenesis.