Impact of operating parameters on anode biofilm growth in microbial fuel cells – a performance study

Abstract

Despite several advantages of the microbial fuel cell (MFC), its performance needs to be improved. The MFC’s performance is hindered by multiple interdependent factors. Therefore, mathematical modeling is necessary in order to reduce the costs involved during the performance optimization. The dynamic nature of biofilm growth affects the efficiency of the cell. Therefore, the focus of this study lies on modeling the impact of operating parameters on the biofilm growth in a MFC and its subsequent effect of the performance of the MFC. The validation of the model is done by fitting it with the experimental data. This study could be useful in understanding the biofilm growth in continuous flow type microbial fuel cells.