Editors: Prof. Ramasamy Subbaiya

Dr. Sivasubramanian Manikandan (2022)

ISBN: 978-93-94174-07-8

Suresh Dhanaraj* and A. K. Kathireshan

Department of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Vels Institute of Science Technology Studies (VITAS) Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been utilized as a source for alternative renewable energy due to the transformation of biodegradable waste in to electricity through microbially catalysed electrochemical reactions. MFCs are a culmination of both microbiological processes and electrochemical techniques which helps to produce electricity. The basic description of MFCs is that composed of two different compartments like anode and a cathode chamber. The compartments of MFCs units are connected with an outer circuit and both the compartments are separated by an exchange membrane. The microbial cells metabolize the organic wastes in the chamber and generates electrons and protons are collected continuously through the outer membrane. Microbial transformation of organic wastes into electricity is considered as an effective eco-friendly approach to waste management. The release of electrons by microbial metabolism are captured continuously without emission of carbon in the ecosystem and has an almost negligible carbon footprint. This efficient environmentally benign approach to energy generation requires a clear understanding and further developments in MFC technology to improve electrochemical systems and electricity obtainment. This chapter deals with the architectural design of MFCs and its setup, process of microbial electrolysis, electron acceptors in microbial fuel cells, electrochemical - biology mechanism, and evaluate the performance of bioelectricity generation from MFCs.

*Corresponding author; e-mail: sureshdhanaraj.sls@velsuniv.ac.in

Cite this Chapter: Suresh Dhanaraj and Kathireshan, A. K. 2022. Recent Developments in Microbial Fuel Cells. In: R. Subbaiya and S. Manikandan (Eds.), Emerging Technologies and Advanced Techniques for Waste Treatment and Energy Production. Excellent Publishers, India. pp.101-111. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-07-8_7