Waste-to-Energy Conversion via a Dual-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell Using Recycled Aluminum Beverage Cans

This study presents an innovative dual-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) that is constructed entirely from recycled and natural materials, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and circular economy principles. The anode is entirely made from a discarded aluminum beverage can, capitalizing on the material’s natural conductivity, abundance, and waste management challenges. The membrane, a sand-filled PVC pipe sealed with cotton plugs, provides an affordable and biodegradable alternative to commercial ion-exchange membranes. Wastewater sourced from a polluted lake serves as both the substrate and microbial inoculum, effectively transforming local waste streams into valuable resources. The system achieved a peak voltage of 0.8 V and a power density of 0.1 mW/m2 at 0.2 mA/m2, maintaining stable operation for several days. When multiple MFC units were connected in series, the combined output reached 2.5 V, demonstrating the scalability of this approach. This method has the potential not only to generate electricity but also to treat wastewater, making it highly suitable for decentralized, resource-limited settings.