National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Water Sci Technol. 2011;64(7):1527-32. doi: 10.2166/wst.2011.067.
A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for microbial fuel cells (MEA-MFC) was developed for continuous electricity production while treating domestic wastewater concurrently. It was optimized via three upgraded versions (noted α, β and γ) in terms of design (current collectors, hydrophilic separator nature) and operating conditions (hydraulic retention time, external resistance, aeration rate, recirculation). An overall rise of power by over 100% from version α to γ shows the importance of factors such as the choice of proper construction materials and prevention of short-circuits. A power of 2.5 mW was generated with a hydraulic retention time of 2.3 h when a Selemion proton exchange membrane was used as a hydrophilic separator in the MEA and 2.8 mW were attained with a reverse osmosis membrane. The MFC also showed a competitive value of internal resistance (≈40-50 Ω) as compared to the literature, especially considering its large volume (3 L). However, the operation of our system in a complete loop where the anolyte was allowed to trickle over the cathode (version γ) resulted in system failure.
针对同时处理生活污水和连续发电的需求，开发了一种用于微生物燃料电池的膜电极组件（MEA-MFC）。通过三个升级版本（α、β和γ）在设计（集流器、亲水性分离器性质）和操作条件（水力停留时间、外电阻、曝气率、循环）方面进行了优化。从版本α到γ，功率总体上升了 100%以上，这表明选择合适的结构材料和防止短路等因素非常重要。当使用 Selemion 质子交换膜作为 MEA 中的亲水性分离器时，水力停留时间为 2.3 小时，可产生 2.5 mW 的功率，而使用反渗透膜时可产生 2.8 mW 的功率。与文献相比，该 MFC 还表现出了有竞争力的内阻（≈40-50 Ω），特别是考虑到其较大的体积（3 L）。然而，我们的系统在一个完整的回路中运行，其中阳极液允许滴过阴极（版本γ），导致系统故障。
