EVALUATION OF POROUS SILICON FOR SUSTAINABLE MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS USING LACTIC ACID AND ELECTROACTIVE BACTERIA

This study assessed the viability of porous silicon (PSi) as a sustainable anode material for microbial fuel cells (MFCs), emphasizing its structural integrity, biocompatibility, and resistance to biofouling. Using a variety of pore morphologies, such as microporous, macroporous, nanoporous, and hierarchical (GPC/HPC) architectures, this study examined how PSi interacts with three bacterial strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bacillus subtilis. Biofilm development and structural integrity were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after exposure for 24 h, 14 days, and 1 month. The findings showed that PSi supports strong bacterial colonization while preserving mechanical stability and pore integrity, showing no signs of deterioration or clogging. Successful microbial activity was proven by the acidic pH of bacterial suspensions, and Bacillus subtilis studies further demonstrated PSi's non-toxicity and capacity of PSi to maintain biofilms. These results demonstrated that PSi is a practical and affordable substitute for traditional carbon-based electrodes, providing improved performance and scalability for MFC applications. This thesis offers a thorough examination of the applicability of PSi to bioelectrochemical systems with 30 pages, 22 figures, 6 tables, and 58 references. By addressing important electrode design issues, such as long-term durability and effective electron transmission, this study promotes the development of sustainable energy solutions.