A 1D model for a single chamber microbial fuel cell

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Joana Vilas Boas (Author) FEUP; V. B. Oliveira (Author) FEUP; Simoes, M (Author) Other; A.M.F.R. Pinto (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Chemical Engineering Research and Design

Vol. 184

Pages: 627-636

ISSN: 0263-8762

Publisher: Institute of Chemical Engineers

Indexing

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Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-VX5

DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2022.06.030

Abstract (EN): A one dimensional (1D) model accounting for the charge and mass transfer, biofilm for-mation and the electrochemical reactions that occur in a single chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC) operated at batch mode was developed. As the authors are aware, this simplified and easy to implement model for this design and operating mode is unique. The assumptions performed on the model development and the set of parameters used in the model predictions were carefully considered and chosen based on the operating and design conditions and following recommendations from literature. Despite the simplifi-cations and assumptions performed, the model predictions are in good agreement with the experimental data, with a maximum power density of 36.7 mW/cm(2). The model predictions concerning the effect of the substrate concentration at the biofilm, anode and cathode overpotentials, cell voltage, current density and power density were also studied. The substrate concentration showed a higher impact on the anode overpotential for the medium to high current density values and predicted well the decrease in substrate availability for increasing current densities and higher anodic reaction rates. The model is rapidly implemented using simple numerical tools (like Excel and Matlab) being, there-fore, suitable to seek for possibilities of optimizing the performance of a SCMFC by studying the impact of variations on the design parameters (such as membrane thickness, catalyst loading, electrodes type and thicknesses) and operating conditions (such as substrate concentration). This work demonstrated the value of the developed model in understanding the phenomena behind the MFC systems and on developing more efficient systems, towards an increase of their power output. (C) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Institution of Chemical Engineers.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10