Microbial Fuels

The theory, design, construction, and operation of microbial fuel cells Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), devices in which bacteria create electrical power by oxidizing simple compounds such as glucose or complex organic matter in wastewater, represent a new and promising approach for generating power. Not only do MFCs clean wastewater, but they also convert organics in these wastewaters into usable energy. Given the world's limited supply of fossil fuels and fossil fuels' impact on climate change, MFC technology's ability to create renewable, carbon-neutral energy has generated tremendous interest around the world. This timely book is the first dedicated to MFCs. It not only serves as an introduction to the theory underlying the development and functioning of MFCs, it also serves as a manual for ongoing research. In addition, author Bruce Logan, a leading pioneer in MFC research and development, provides practical guidance for the effective design and operation of MFCs based on his own firsthand experience. This reference covers everything you need to fully understand MFCs, including: * Key topics such as voltage and power generation, MFC materials and architecture, mass transfer to bacteria and biofilms, bioreactor design, and fundamentals of electron transfer * Applications across a wide variety of scales, from power generation in the laboratory to approaches for using MFCs for wastewater treatment * The role of MFCs in the climate change debate * Detailed illustrations of bacterial and electrochemical concepts * Charts, graphs, and tables summarizing key design and operation variables * Practice problems and step-by-step examples Microbial Fuel Cells, with its easy-to-follow explanations, is recommended as both a textbook for students and professionals interested in entering the field and as a complete reference for more experienced practitioners.

Progress and Recent Trends in Microbial Fuel Cells provides an in-depth analysis of the fundamentals, working principles, applications and advancements (including commercialization aspects) made in the field of Microbial Fuel Cells research, with critical analyses and opinions from experts around the world. Microbial Fuel cell, as a potential alternative energy harnessing device, has been progressing steadily towards fruitful commercialization. Involvements of electrolyte membranes and catalysts have been two of the most critical factors toward achieving this progress. Added applications of MFCs in areas of bio-hydrogen production and wastewater treatment have made this technology extremely attractive and important. . Reviews and compares MFCs with other alternative energy harnessing devices, particularly in comparison to other fuel cells Analyses developments of electrolyte membranes, electrodes, catalysts and biocatalysts as critical components of MFCs, responsible for their present and future progress Includes commercial aspects of MFCs in terms of (i) generation of electricity, (ii) microbial electrolysis cell, (iii) microbial desalination cell, and (iv) wastewater and sludge treatment

Current wastewater treatment technologies are not sustainable simply due to their high operational costs and process inefficiency. Integrated Microbial Fuel Cells for Wastewater Treatment is intended for professionals who are searching for an innovative method to improve the efficiencies of wastewater treatment processes by exploiting the potential of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) technology. The book is broadly divided into four sections. It begins with an overview of the "state of the art" bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) as well as the fundamentals of MFC technology and its potential to enhance wastewater treatment efficiencies and reduce electricity generation cost. In section two, discusses the integration, installation, and optimization of MFC into conventional wastewater treatment processes such as activated sludge process, lagoons, constructed wetlands, and membrane bioreactors. Section three outlines integrations of MFCs into other wastewater processes. The final section provides explorative studies of MFC integrated systems for large scale wastewater treatment and the challenges which are inherent in the upscaling process. Clearly describes the latest techniques for integrating MFC into traditional wastewater treatment processes such as activated sludge process, lagoons, constructed wetlands, and membrane bioreactors Discusses the fundamentals of bioelectrochemical systems for degrading the contaminants from the municipal and industrial wastewater Covers methods for the optimization of integrated systems

The book will highlight major trends and developments in the field of microbial fuels, with contributions from a number of highly experienced researchers. It will serve as a comprehensive reference for industrial stakeholders, scientists, researchers and graduate students interested in microbial fuels. The aims of this work are to present the technologies and perspectives taking into account different socio-economical contexts. A specific chapter will focus on the general perspectives of microbial fuels for low-income and emerging countries.

This book represents a novel attempt to describe microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as a renewable energy source derived from organic wastes. Bioelectricity is usually produced through MFCs in oxygen-deficient environments, where a series of microorganisms convert the complex wastes into electrons via liquefaction through a cascade of enzymes in a bioelectrochemical process. The book provides a detailed description of MFC technologies and their applications, along with the theories underlying the electron transfer mechanisms, the biochemistry and the microbiology involved, and the material characteristics of the anode, cathode and separator. It is intended for a broad audience, mainly undergraduates, postgraduates, energy researchers, scientists working in industry and at research organizations, energy specialists, policymakers, and anyone else interested in the latest developments concerning MFCs.

The book will highlight major trends and developments in the field of microbial fuels, with contributions from a number of highly experienced researchers. It will serve as a comprehensive reference for industrial stakeholders, scientists, researchers and graduate students interested in microbial fuels. The aims of this work are to present the technologies and perspectives taking into account different socio-economical contexts. A specific chapter will focus on the general perspectives of microbial fuels for low-income and emerging countries.

In view of the increased consumption of energy due to the proliferation of electronic devices, this book addresses the trends, similarities, differences and advances in fuel cells of both chemical and biological composition. Fundamentals of microbial fuel cells are described, accompanied by details surrounding their uses and limitations. Chapters on electricigens, microbial group investigations and performance, Rumen Fluid microbes and state-of-the-art advances in microbial fuel cell technology are discussed. The book elaborates upon analytical techniques used for biofilm characterization. It also includes chapters on MFC models that include plant-based MFCs, Algal/Fungi MFCs, MDCs and MFCs using animal waste. A critical review on the performance of MFC technology in field trials is offered in an exclusively dedicated section. By addressing one of the most promising sources for clean and renewable energy, this book fills a pressing need to understand a possible solution for meeting the energy demands in our highly advanced technical world.

Biological Fuel Cells: Fundamental to Applications offers a comprehensive update on the latest microbial fuel cells technologies and their systems development and implementation. Taking a practical approach to MFCs, the book provides guidance on analytical methods and tools, economic and performance analyses of various technologies and systems, and engineering aspects. Established and newly developed technologies are presented alongside their applications within the context of cost, practicality and future technologies, which are discussed within the context of other renewable energy systems. This book is a comprehensive reference for users working in the field of fuel cells, microbial fuel cells and bioenergy. Presents lab-scale case studies and real-world application on microbial fuel cells Provides the fundamental theories and concepts behind MFCs, along with the latest technologies Offers guidance on economic and cost analyses for technologies and systems within each chapter