Microbial Fuel Cells

"Another man's wastewater is another man's...electricity?"

INTERESTED?

What is the Microbial Fuel Cell project?
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Our Microbial Fuel Cell project explores innovative methods to convert human waste into bio-energy, addressing global energy and sustainability challenges. We aim to harness the untapped potential of wastewater to generate bio-fuels and bio-electricity while promoting environmental stewardship.

We aim to create a unique, non-competitive project for members of AIChE and students of the University of California, Riverside who are interested in a project such as this. Currently, our end-goal is to collaborate with HexHomes.

Wastewater is significant, and is the focus for this project, ass it is abundant, renewable, and often not used. The dual benefit of this project is that it provides a way to produce energy as well as efficient ways to manage waste.

Our Purpose and Plan 2024
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We wish to investigate and apply biological, chemical, and physical processes from bacteria or other microorganisms to generate electricity from organic materials. Our interest is to develop scalable and sustainable systems to generate bio-electricity (e.g. microbial fuel cells) to reduce environmental impact from untreated wastewater disposal.

We will research theories that support our goals to then construct prototypes. These prototypes will help us better understand how to execute our plan and achieve our goal.

Finally, once prototypes are finalized and an acceptable model is produced, we will up-scale our project to then fit within a home (i.e. collaboration with HexHomes).

The Science Behind Our Project

Here's what we have, so far...

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs)
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Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are innovative devices that use bacteria and microorganisms to generate electricity from organic materials, such as wastewater, mud, and sewage water. By oxidizing organic compounds in the anode chamber, these microorganisms release electrons, which travel to the cathode chamber via an external circuit, producing electricity. A salt bridge facilitates ion flow between the chambers, ensuring a continuous electrochemical process.

How MFCs Work:

- Anode Chamber: Organic materials are fed to microorganisms that catalyze oxidation, releasing electrons.
- Cathode Chamber: Electrons are received in a reduction reaction, typically involving oxygen or water.
- Salt Bridge: Connects the anode and cathode chambers, maintaining charge balance.

To monitor performance, we use an Arduino kit to measure voltage and current output from the MFC. Additionally, feeding sugar water to bacteria supports their growth and enhances efficiency.

References:

Blue Energy
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Another aspect of sustainable energy exploration is Blue Energy, which uses the salinity difference between seawater and freshwater to generate electricity. This approach offers a complementary method to power devices and expand renewable energy solutions. Learn more about blue energy here.

Human Waste-to-Energy Conversion
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Human waste is an abundant and underutilized resource for biofuel and bioelectricity production. Using a microbial fuel cell design, human waste serves as the feedstock in the anode chamber, where bacteria oxidize organic compounds. This process releases electrons to produce bioelectricity while simultaneously treating waste.

Schematic:

Anode Chamber: Bacteria break down human waste into electrons and protons.
Cathode Chamber: A reduction reaction generates usable electricity.

References:

Human Waste as a Bioenergy Source

Our Vision for the Future
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We hope to achieve a project which can be up-scaled and pave the path for a future in sustainable wastewater management and energy production. Hopefully our impact and achievements can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and support energy needs in underdeveloped regions as we advance research and technology in renewable energy.