Iwona Gajda SELF SUSTAINABLE CATHODES FOR MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) Research Group

 Energy “locked” in organic matter may be liberated by the use of microorganisms Michael C. Potter 1911 – First MFC Generated power from cultures of Escherichia coli MFC Technology is already 100 years old! Major improvements in the technology in the last 10 years

Pharmaceuticals Wastewater treatment Decomposing Fermentation

Microorganisms are only catalysts Not a source of electrons Microorganisms can drive electrons to the anode by oxidising the organic matter

Gastrobot (Chew-chew) train invented by S. Wilkinson (University of South Florida) 2001

Both developed by researchers at Bristol Robotics Laboratory: Dr I.Ieropoulos, Prof J. Greenman, Prof C.Melhuish and I.Horsfield Ecobot I (2001) performs phototaxisEcobot II (2003) performs phototaxis, sensing, communication

Ecobot III (2008) -48 small-scale Microbial Fuel Cells, world's first robot to exhibit true self-sustainability

Though this technology is quite promising as a source of renewable energy, it will be some time before large-scale, highly efficient MFCs enter the commercial scene. Powering underwater monitoring devices Power supply to remote sensors Wastewater treatment Powering small everyday use devices- mobile phones Powering autonomous robots

ANODECATHODE BeforeAfter Research based on: - Anode improvement - Cathode improvement - Scalability and stacks SLUDGESLUDGE

To develop: Self sustainable Cost efficient Better performing CATHODE Improvement of: Design Electrode materials Methodology

Platinum.....expensive Ferricyanide.....non sustainable and toxic Photosynthetic Organisms: Algae Cyanobacteria Produce Oxygen Use CO2 and light Self sustainable

 75% world’s oxygen is produced by marine algae  Naturally occurring  Fast grown  Already used as biofuel source  Used also in wastewater treatment

Abiotic cathodeBiotic cathode Biocathode types Photoreactors

ABIOTIC CATHODE BIOCATHODES

 Biotic cathodes outperform abiotic (water based) cathodes  Photosynthethic organisms multiply creating more biomass that might be used as a substrate!

Comparison between pure and mixed culture algae and cyanobacteria Various metals as current collectors Different design, stacking

MFC Team: Dr Ioannis Ieropoulos Prof John Greenman Prof Chris Melhuish

University of the West of England Frenchay Campus North Entrance Bristol