Optimization of double chambered microbial fuel cells for enhanced electricity generation: Investigating electrode material and salt bridge effects

Bioelectricity production is production of electricity by organisms due to the production of electrons during their metabolic activities. These produced electrons can be captured so as to maintain a stable and continuous source of electricity. Bacterial cells can metabolize the components from the provided substrates, producing electrons which can be harvested and converted to electricity by connecting them through a circuit. The microbial culture system and the circuit can be packed into an assembly called a ‘microbial fuel cell’ (MFC), which are bio-electrochemical devices, that offer a promising approach for sustainable energy production by utilising the metabolic activity of microorganisms to convert organic matter into electricity. The present study investigated the potential of generating electricity using a double-chambered MFC configuration, evaluating the performance with various waste substrates and electrode materials. The experimental setup involved fabricating glass panel MFCs with a potassium chloride-agar salt bridge separating anode and cathode chambers. Different electrode materials, including modified carbon, charcoal, copper, and platinum, were tested alongside substrates like wastewater, cow dung slurry, and nutrient broth in the cathode chamber, with potassium ferricyanide in the anode. Electricity generation was confirmed across all tested substrates, with voltage output significantly influenced by the substrate and electrode material used. Notably, platinum electrodes consistently delivered the highest voltages due to their superior properties, while decontaminated nutrient broth supported the highest electricity output, attributed to its favorable composition for microbial activity. These findings underscore the significant potential of DC-MFCs for sustainable energy generation and waste valorization, highlighting their dual benefit for energy production and waste management, although further research is needed for optimization and scaling.