How to address the anode dilemma and explore future prospects of microbial fuel cells

IF 18 1区工程技术 Q1 ENERGY & FUELS

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews Pub Date : 2026-05-01 Epub Date: 2026-01-20 DOI:10.1016/j.rser.2026.116745

Wei Liu , Yu Zhou , Tingrui Yang , Xuelan Xu , Jingjing Lin , Yingying Zheng , Mingxuan Guo , Yuankai Huang , Yinuo Xie , Haiqing Liu , Min Chen , Wenqian Huang , Dai Kuang , Xinlong Tian , Qianfeng Xia

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Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), a type of bioelectrochemical energy technology that uses microorganisms to convert organic waste into electricity, have received widespread attention in recent years. In particular, the anode of MFC is not only the interface for electron transfer, but also a key component to enhance the overall performance. It has important significance for the practical application of MFC technology. However, research on MFC anodes faces numerous challenges, including sluggish interfacial kinetics, unstable biofilms, mass transfer losses, and high scale–up costs. This paper reviews recent advances in anode improvement and summarizes the mechanisms underlying performance enhancements achieved with advanced electrodes. Furthermore, material synthesis strategies, advanced characterization analysis, cross–scale numerical simulation, and a comprehensive evaluation system are proposed to address anode dilemma, providing valuable insights for the future development and application of MFCs.

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如何解决阳极困境，探索微生物燃料电池的未来前景

微生物燃料电池（MFCs）是一种利用微生物将有机废弃物转化为电能的生物电化学能源技术，近年来受到广泛关注。特别是MFC的阳极不仅是电子传递的接口，而且是提高整体性能的关键部件。这对MFC技术的实际应用具有重要意义。然而，MFC阳极的研究面临着许多挑战，包括界面动力学缓慢、生物膜不稳定、传质损失和放大成本高。本文综述了阳极改进的最新进展，并总结了先进电极性能提高的机制。在此基础上，提出了解决阳极困境的材料合成策略、先进的表征分析、跨尺度数值模拟和综合评价体系，为mfc的未来发展和应用提供了有价值的见解。

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来源期刊

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 工程技术-能源与燃料

CiteScore

31.20

自引率

5.70%

发文量

1055

审稿时长

62 days

期刊介绍： The mission of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews is to disseminate the most compelling and pertinent critical insights in renewable and sustainable energy, fostering collaboration among the research community, private sector, and policy and decision makers. The journal aims to exchange challenges, solutions, innovative concepts, and technologies, contributing to sustainable development, the transition to a low-carbon future, and the attainment of emissions targets outlined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews publishes a diverse range of content, including review papers, original research, case studies, and analyses of new technologies, all featuring a substantial review component such as critique, comparison, or analysis. Introducing a distinctive paper type, Expert Insights, the journal presents commissioned mini-reviews authored by field leaders, addressing topics of significant interest. Case studies undergo consideration only if they showcase the work's applicability to other regions or contribute valuable insights to the broader field of renewable and sustainable energy. Notably, a bibliographic or literature review lacking critical analysis is deemed unsuitable for publication.