The performance of a thermophilic microbial fuel cell fed with synthesis gas.

Authors :: Hussain A
Mehta P
Raghavan V
Wang H
Guiot SR
Tartakovsky B
Source :: Enzyme and microbial technology [Enzyme Microb Technol] 2012 Aug 10; Vol. 51 (3), pp. 163-70. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 May 29.
Publication Year :: 2012
Abstract: This study demonstrated electricity generation in a thermophilic microbial fuel cell (MFC) operated on synthesis gas (syngas) as the sole electron donor. At 50°C, a volumetric power output of 30-35 mWL(R)(-1) and a syngas conversion efficiency of 87-98% was achieved. The observed pathway of syngas conversion to electricity primarily consisted of a two-step process, where the carbon monoxide and hydrogen were first converted to acetate, which was then consumed by the anodophilic bacteria to produce electricity. A denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of the 16S rDNA revealed the presence of Geobacter species, Acetobacter, methanogens and several uncultured bacteria and archaea in the anodic chamber.<br /> (Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)