Microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs) rely on the catalytic activity of anode-respiring bacteria (ARB) to generate electrical current from the electrons contained in organic compounds.  ARB form a biofilm at the surface of the anode, thus creating a 3-dimensional structure that catalyzes the anodic reaction.  Being micron-size catalysts, ARB produce lower current densities than typical chemical catalysts. Therefore, the ARB biofilm anode often limits current generation in MXCs. In order to optimize the biofilm anode, we must understand the transport processes occurring inside the biofilm: substrate diffusion, proton and ion diffusion, and electron transport to the anode. Moreover, we must understand how the MXC design affects these processes and limit ARB activity at the biofilm anode. I discuss the design specifications (e.g.,anode surface area, electrode size, distance between anode and cathode) required to achieve optimal conditions at the biofilm anode and maximize current and power density in MXCs.

Understanding and optimizing the biofilm anode of microbial electrochemical cells

239th National Meeting (2010)

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