Exploring innovations and trends in microbial fuel cells using TRIZ patent literature review

Abstract Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a transformative technology at the intersection of wastewater treatment and renewable energy, offering a sustainable pathway to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 6 (clean water and sanitation) and 7 (affordable and clean energy). Despite significant advancements, scaling up MFCs for industrial application remains challenging due to efficiency limitations, biofilm stability and material performance. This study employs the TRIZ patent literature review (TRIZ‐PLR) methodology to systematically analyze 1513 active patents related to MFC innovations, identifying key technological contradictions and evolutionary trends. The research highlights advancements in nanomaterials, multichamber reactor configurations and optimized flow dynamics as critical enablers for enhancing power output and microbial activity. Unlike conventional reviews, this study provides a structured, patent‐based innovation roadmap, offering actionable insights for researchers and industry stakeholders. By bridging academic research with industrial applicability, our findings inform scalable MFC integration into circular economy frameworks, reinforcing their potential for sustainable energy production and waste management. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).