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Lookup NU author(s): Emeritus Professor Keith Scott, Loana Cotlarcuic, Professor Ian Head, Krishna Katuri, Dr David Hall
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Background: Marine sediment microbial fuel cells (MFC) utilise oxidisable carbon compounds and other components present in sediments on ocean floors and similar environments to produce power in conjunction with, principally, oxygen reduction at the cathode in the overlying water. The aim of the work was to investigate a range of cathode materials for sediment MFC, to achieve relatively high levels of power. Results: Cell potential and power density performance data are reported for sediment MFC using cathodes of: carbon sponge, cloth and paper, graphite and reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC), Co and Fe-Co tetramethoxyphenyl porphyrin (FeCoTMPP) and platinised carbon and titanium. The anode was graphite cloth. After a period of stabilisation, open circuit voltages of 700 mV and maximum power densities of 62 mW m-2 were obtained, using FeCoTMPP. Relatively low cost carbon cathodes gave power densities of around 30 mW m-2. Conclusions: The study has shown that low level power can be produced from marine sediments using MFC without separators between the fuel and seawater containing dissolved oxygen. Cathode performance was an important factor determining the power output. Electrocatalyst at the cathode improved performance: FeCoTMMP gave power densities of 60 mW m-2 which was twice that achieved with the best un-modified carbon. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry.
Author(s): Scott K, Cotlarciuc I, Head IM, Katuri KP, Hall D, Lakeman JB, Browning D
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology
Year: 2008
Volume: 83
Issue: 9
Pages: 1244-1254
ISSN (print): 0268-2575
ISSN (electronic): 1097-4660
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jctb.1937
DOI: 10.1002/jctb.1937
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