Evaluation of the external resistance, graphite and modified graphene as electrodes in microbial fuel cells for the improvement of wastewater treatment and power generation

Abstract

Currently, the constant increase of population and its not sustainable consumption has caused the depletion of water and actual sources of energy are not bast enough to meet the growing necessities. A proposed solution that tackles these problems resides in the application of renewable energy processes, such as the production of bioenergy through the treatment of wastewater by electrogenic bacteria in microbial fuel cells. This document presents the results of the thesis research, to obtain the degree of Master of Science in Engineering with a specialty on clean energy and sustainable water use. The objective of this work was to evaluate the external resistant and electrode materials (graphite and modified graphene) in a dual chamber microbial fuel cell for improving the wastewater treatment and electricity generation. Through this investigation, different external resistances and two electrode materials were evaluated. The results obtained allow to identify the combination of operating conditions that give the best performance. A 10-fold increase in power output and a 20-fold increase in coulombic efficiency were obtained. This study shows a cost-effective way to improve power generation in microbial fuel cells, contributing to offering new clean renewable energy sources.