Improved performance using biocathode in membrane-less microbial fuel cells

• Main Authors: Mei-Hui Lee, 李美慧
• Other Authors: Chi-Yuan Lee
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/16316415200261573089

碩士 === 國立臺灣海洋大學 === 河海工程學系 === 100 === In this study, we examine the effects on the electricity production of using higher plant (Epipremnum pinnatum) and the algae (Chlorella vulgaris) in the cathode chamber of membrane-less microbial fuel cells (MFC). The MFC performance was tested with two cathode electrode areas of 184 and 368 cm2 , and loaded with three external resistances of 10 Ω, 1000 Ω, and 10 kΩ, respectively. During the experimentation, the MFC was operated at hydraulic residence times of 1 and 2 days and discharged with fuel concentration of acetate of 100 mg COD / L. Results showed that under 10 Ω the MFC with the higher plants produced less electricity than that MFC without plants, implying that the plants did not improve MFC performance. Under 1000 Ω and 10 kΩ, the MFC with the algae exhibited higher power production in contrast to MFC without algae. These results suggested that Chlorella vulgaris in the cathode chamber increased the electricity production, the removal efficiency, and reduce the internal resistance. In addition, the MFC with algae had significant variations in dissolved oxygen and potentials during day and night, as compared to the MFC without algae has negligible change. Subsequent research is needed to the get more understanding into reaction mechanism of algae in cathode, as well as to clarify the relationship between algae growth and electricity, facilitating to improve the operation and design of microbial fuel cells.