Biofilm Based Microbial Fuel Cell

Abstract

Biofilms of natural anaerobic microbial consortia externally grown on Gas Diffusion Electrodes (GDL) in a bioreactor, were investigated within a MembraneElectrode-Assembly with respect to lifetime and electricity production upon variation of biodegradable materials with an oxygen demand of 1000mg/l as simulated waste water. A remarkable differentiation and plasticity of the films is observed, to resist the toxicity of 0.5 mg/cm2 Pt used on the inner side of the anode for smooth hydrogen combustion and to recover bioactivity upon alteration of the biodegradable material. Such robust biofilms are intended to provide a new technology for water purification and electricity production from industrial and community wastewater.