MFCs - from Lab to field

摘要

Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are bioelectrochemical systems, used for the direct conversion of chemical energy of chemical compounds into electricity using microorganisms. A conventional two-chamber MFC contains an anodic and a cathodic chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane. Wastewater treatment is the prime area of MFC application and MFCs have proved themselves as efficient wastewater treatment systems. Enormous attempts have been made worldwide by the scientific community to develop the candidature of MFCs in real world. Worldwide universities, governments, and companies are also investing on their R&D resources for the future commercialization of MFCs. MFCs have the potentials to be practically applicable in various areas of modern interest viz. for sensors, for small electronic gadgets, mobile phones, and robots, as well as pee power urinals. MFCs can be used to power such robots, especially to those assigned ‘start and forget’ missions.