A light-driven photosynthetic microbial fuel cell for carbon-negative bioelectricity production

Won Gyeong Park, Minsoo Kim, Shuwei Li, Eunseo Kim, Eun Joo Park, Jiin Yoo, Nagesh Maile, Jungho Jae, Hyoung Il Kim, Jung Rae Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can convert chemical energy into electrical energy directly through the decomposition of organic matter by electroactive bacteria (EAB). In this process, many research groups have investigated MFCs under dark conditions, but few studies have examined those operated under light conditions. This study compared the photosynthetic MFC under light conditions (P-MFC) and MFC under dark conditions (D-MFC) for bioelectricity production and power density. The electroactive photosynthetic microbial community was enriched in the anode chamber of P-MFC. The acetate consumption and COD removal rate of the P-MFC were two times faster than that of D-MFC. The volume of effluent biogas (e.g., CO2 and CH4) from the decomposition of organic matter in the P-MFC was significantly lower than that from the D-MFC. Under light conditions, the electroactive photosynthetic microbial community assimilates the CO2 produced by organic decomposition. Field emission scanning electron microscopy of P-MFC revealed aggregated electroactive cells with a fibrous appendage on the carbon surface. P-MFC also revealed a higher maximum power density (836 mW m−2) than D-MFC (592 mW m−2). This study provides a new concept for photosynthetic microbial fuel cells for bioelectricity production without CO2 emissions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2476-2484
Number of pages9
JournalSustainable Energy and Fuels
Volume8
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024 Apr 26

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Fuel Technology
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

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