Andrew Huizenga Lindsay Arnold Diane Esquivel Jeff Christians

Presentation Outline  Project Description  Project Background  Projected Market  Design Norms  Design Challenges  Status  Questions  References: microbialfuelcell.org geobacter.org MFC Research papers by Bruce Logan ○ engr.psu.edu/ce/env e/logan/

Project Description  Develop a fully functional microbial fuel cell  Improve upon existing designs Increase maximum output Decrease size Decrease cost

Sedimentary MFC Wastewater MFC Air Cathode MFC Proton-Exchange MFC

Project Background  Metabolism and respiration Electron transport (ET)  Facilitate ET by providing anode where electrons can be deposited  Proton exchange membrane  Oxygen is reduced at cathode  Some bacteria are “better” at this than others

Project Background

Projected Market  Depends largely on type of design Areas with little access to traditional means of producing electricity Marine sensors Wastewater treatment systems  Preliminary designs for future technology

Design Norms  Integrity MFC must be simple and easy to use/maintain  Stewardship MFC must be cost effective ○ i.e. no precious metal catalysts MFC must be eco-friendly ○ No harmful/toxic byproducts

Design Challenges  Low voltage output  Typically quite large  Need for constant feedstock intake  Alternatives to precious metal catalysts

Current Status  Research! What type of cell to develop Best species of bacteria What feedstock to use

Questions?