Projects per year
Abstract
Photomicrobial fuel cells (p-MFCs) are devices that use photosynthetic organisms (such as cyanobacteria or algae) to turn light energy into electrical energy. In a p-MFC, the anode accepts electrons from microorganisms that are either growing directly on the anode surface (biofilm) or are free floating in solution (planktonic). The nature of both the anode and cathode material is critical for device efficiency. An ideal anode is biocompatible and facilitates direct electron transfer from the microorganisms, with no need for an electron mediator. For a p-MFC, there is the additional requirement that the anode should not prevent light from perfusing through the photosynthetic cells. The cathode should facilitate the rapid reaction of protons and oxygen to form water so as not to rate limit the device. In this paper, we first review the range of anode and cathode materials currently used in p-MFCs. We then present our own data comparing cathode materials in a p-MFC and our first results using porous ceramic anodes in a mediator-free p-MFC.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences |
Volume | 374 |
Issue number | 2061 |
Early online date | 11 Jan 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 28 Feb 2016 |
Keywords
- Anode materials
- Biophotovoltaics
- Microbial fuel cell
- Photomicrobial fuel cell
- Photosynthesis
- TiO ceramic
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Dive into the research topics of 'An investigation of anode and cathode materials in photomicrobial fuel cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 3 Finished
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Hybrid Materials for Enzymatic Reductions of Carbon Dioxide
Cameron, P. (PI)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
1/06/10 → 31/05/12
Project: Research council
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Nano-Integration of Metal-Organic Frameworks and Catalysis for the Uptake and Utilisation of CO2
Marken, F. (PI), Burrows, A. (CoI), Cameron, P. (CoI), Edler, K. (CoI), Hammond, G. (CoI), Jones, M. (CoI), Mattia, D. (CoI), McManus, M. (CoI), Pascu, S. (CoI), Plucinski, P. (CoI) & Raithby, P. (CoI)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
1/05/10 → 14/02/14
Project: Research council
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Advanced Bio-Photovoltaic Devices for Solar Energy Conversion
Cameron, P. (PI) & Peter, L. (CoI)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
1/10/08 → 30/03/13
Project: Research council