Electricity Production from Steam-Exploded Corn Stover Biomass

Electricity generation using microbial fuel cells (MFCs) was examined from corn stover waste biomass using samples prepared through either neutral or acid steam-exploded hydrolysis processes that convert the hemicellulose to soluble sugars. Maximum power densities in fed-batch tests using an air-cathode MFC were 371 ± 13 mW/m2 and 367 ± 13 mW/m2 for the neutral and acid hydrolysates (1000 mg-COD/L, 250 Ω). Power output exhibited saturation kinetics with respect to fuel concentration, with predicted maximum power densities of Pmax = 475 mW/m2 and half-saturation constants of Ks = 347 mg/L (neutral) and Pmax = 422 mW/m2 and Ks = 170 mg/L (acid). Coulombic efficiencies (CEs) were comparable to that found using carbohydrates in this type of MFC, with values ranging from 20 to 30% for both hydrolysates. All sugars (monomeric or oligomeric) were completely utilized, with overall biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) removal efficiencies of 93 ± 2% (neutral) and 94 ± 1% (acid). Power output could be increased by using...

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