Dissimilatory Metal Reducers Producing Electricity: Microbial Fuel Cells

This chapter provides an introduction to the application of dissimilatory metal reducers in microbial fuel cells. In this type of fuel cells, exoelectrogenic bacteria act as anodic electrode catalysts and enable the direct generation of electricity from e.g., waste waters and other organic carbon sources. The chapter covers the basic thermodynamic principles of electrochemical energy conversion and the interrelations between cell voltage, power density, and efficiencies. Furthermore, important aspects of fuel cell construction are discussed, including reactor design as well as suitable anode materials and catalysts for cathodic oxygen reduction. Special importance is given to fuel cell characterization techniques that allow researchers to evaluate the power output of a microbial fuel cell and distinguish the different loss mechanisms that govern its performance. The chapter closes with a comparison of typical application examples and a perspective on future challenges and trends in the field of microbial fuel cells, also regarding emerging applications beyond electricity generation.

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