Transcript Iwona Gajda
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 Fermentation Decomposing Pharmaceuticals Wastewater treatment 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 Ecobot I (2001) performs phototaxis Ecobot II (2003) performs phototaxis, sensing, communication The Ecobots employ any other form of conventional power supply and do not require any form of initial charging from an external source Both developed by researchers at Bristol Robotics Laboratory: Dr I.Ieropoulos, Prof J. Greenman, Prof C.Melhuish and I.Horsfield Ecobot III (2008) -48 small-scale Microbial Fuel Cells, world's first robot to exhibit true self-sustainability Powering underwater monitoring devices Wastewater treatment Power supply to remote sensors Powering small everyday use devices- mobile phones Powering autonomous robots 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. S L U D G E ANODE Before Research based on: CATHODE - Anode improvement - Cathode improvement - Scalability and stacks After To develop: Self sustainable Cost efficient Better performing Improvement of: Design Electrode materials Methodology CATHODE 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 Biocathode types Abiotic cathode Photoreactors Biotic cathode BIOCATHODES ABIOTIC CATHODE 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 www.brl.ac.uk [email protected] University of the West of England Frenchay Campus North Entrance Bristol