Effective Parameters on Performance of Microbial Fuel Cell

The present work is an experimented investigation concerned with parameter optimization to the best operating condition for a biological fuel cell performance considering both biochemical and engineering aspects. For this aim, several microorganisms such as Pseudomonas putida, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger were investigated as a biocatalyst in an anaerobic batch culture for generation of electrons in biological fuel cell. The initial glucose concentration as the substrate was 10 g/lit and by withdrawing Samples at every 4hours its consumption was monitored. The rate of consumption substrate in anaerobic condition indicated that Saccharomyces cerevisiae had the highest ability to generate electrons in the anaerobic compartment. Cuboids and cylindrical chamber used and the results showed that higher current obtained at the cuboids chamber. Several substrates such as grape juice, whey and molasses were examined by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The highest open circuit voltage achieved, was 0.54 V and the highest current was 34 μA. The most effective parameters for the current were the mass transfer area and the electrode. The maximum current obtained at 64 cm2 Nafion area. These result demonstrate that substrate, type of electrode and configuration of cell have important role on the efficiency of biological fuel cell