General aspects and novel PEMss in microbial fuel cell technology: A review

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 309; p. 136454
• Main Authors: Vidhyeswari, D., Surendhar, A., Bhuvaneshwari, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2022
• Subjects: Bio film; Ceramic; Electrodes; Microbial fuel cell system; Proton exchange membrane (PEM); Wastewater; Microbial fuel cell system; Electrodes; Ceramic; Bio film; Wastewater; Proton exchange membrane (PEM)
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136454

The current scenario of energy production is mostly shifted towards sustainable renewable energy sources. Other than the energy production from natural resources such as sun, wind and water, microbial fuel cell system (MFC) has earned attraction in recent times. These microbial fuel cell systems are bioelectrochemical cell that possesses a unique ability to generate power as well as treats wastewater simultaneously. In this paper, an overview of the microbial fuel cell system and the effect of significant components on the performance of microbial fuel cell systems are reviewed. Firstly, the importance of the MFC system in power generation, its components, the working principle and various configurations of the MFC were briefly introduced. Biofilm plays a major role in the MFC system. Thus the importance of bio film, bio film formation and characterization techniques are summarised. Further, the review mainly addresses the mechanism of conventional and novel membrane materials on the performance of the MFC system. In addition, special emphasis on ceramic-based materials in the MFC system is presented. Finally, recent applications of the MFC systems are discussed. [Display omitted] •Energy issues, importance of renewable energy and its current status.•Significance of bio film growth and characterization techniques.•Critics on novel PEMs with different filler materials and modifications.•Potential of ceramic material as low cost PEM in MFCs.•Practical applications of MFCs power output.