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Open Access | Published on March 13, 2019

Operation and Electro(chemical) characterization of a microbial fuel cell stack fed with fermentable household waste extract

Authors
Corresponding: Asimina Tremouli
Co-authors: Tremouli A., Pandis P., Karydogiannis I., Stathopoulos V., Argirusis C., Lyberatos G.
Abstract

Two identical four air-cathode single chamber membrane-less microbial fuel cells were stacked and tested under in series and in parallel electrical configurations. Fermentable household waste extract (FORBI; 0.8 g COD/L) was used as substrate, in all cases. Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) was carried out for the construction of polarization curves which revealed that the highest power ouput (3.88 mW) was obtained under parallel connection as in series connection was found lower due to voltage drop phenomena. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy measurements (EIS) gave an insight in the electrochemical processes occurring within the stack under both electrical connections. The contribution of the individual resistances to the overall internal resistance was defined, designating the significant role of the solution resistance (Rs) and the charge transfer resistance (RCT) under closed circuit conditions.

Keywords
microbial fuel cell, Stack, Bioelectricity, Fermentable Household Waste, Food Residue Biomass product, EIS, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy