Improvements of MFC's proton exchange membranes and cathodes

Abstract

Abstract The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is well known instrument for conversion of chemical energy of organic matter into electrical. This process is driven by the specific biochemical activities of anaerobes. These organisms oxidize the organic substrate into CO2, electrons and protons in expense of alternative electron acceptors. The classical MFC comprises of anodic and cathodic compartments separated by proton permeable membrane (proton exchange membrane, PEM). The work deals with development of new proton exchange membranes and cathodes. Four types of PEM based on ceramic materials were tested in sedimentation MFC. The values of the voltage are in the range of 15.5 - 20.2 mV. A ceramic membrane with additive of MnO2 was used in designing of air cathode of a single cell MFC. The behavior of the ceramic-MnO2 membrane was compared with steel mesh/ Nafion® layer membrane. It was found that the ceramic-MnO2 membrane is superior with open OCV voltage of 508 mV. Besides, electrochemical analysis (CV) of different air cathodes based electro-conductive polymers and ceramic-MnO2 powder were studied. In the latter case, the current obtained is highest.