Comparison of electric energy generation in microbial fuel cells (MFC) with different anode materials by Proteus mirabilisO27

Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are electric energy generating systems, based on bacterial cultures. MFC performance depends on several factors: construction of MFC, types and form of materials used for electrodes, kinds of microorganisms and condition of theirs cultivation. The aims of presented studies were to find out an optimization of the MFC systems that will allowed to stable, high amount of energy production. The following parameters of MFC were tested: different materials and forms of anode with two Gram-negative bacterial strains – Proteus mirabilis O27 and Pseudomonas aerugionsa PAO1. Three anodes type were examined : carbon nanolayer containing pallad nanogranules, graphite bars and metal chrome-nickel plates. P. mirabilis O27 cutivated in presence of carbon nanolayer anode generated up to 13 days at room temperature about 350 mV (1,75µW/cm2 anode). After 10 times uses carbon nanolayer containing pallad nanogranules was destroyed. Metal chrome-nickel plates anode MFC performances were unstable. P. aerugionosa PAO1 strain generated after 18 days about 150 mV, with pick at day 7 - 250 mV (0,8 µW/cm2 anode). The most stable MFC was achieved with bar graphite anode application. Both bacterial strains used for 19 days generated about 500 mV energy (5,46 µW/cm2 anode for P. aerugionosa PAO1 and 9,47 µW/cm2 anode for P. mirabilis O27strain).

Acknowledgement. Authors are very grateful Karol Zych , student of master courses of Biology Institute UJK, for his technical support. Studies were partially supported by grand BS from UJK, 2015 for WK.