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Modelling microbial fuel cells with suspended cells and added electron transfer mediator

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Abstract

Derivation of a mathematical model for microbial fuel cells (MFC) with suspended biomass and added electron-transfer mediator is described. The model is based on mass balances for several dissolved chemical species such as substrate, oxidized mediator and reduced mediator. Biological, chemical and electrochemical reactions can occur in the bulk liquid and at the electrode surface, respectively. Model outputs include time-dependent production of current and electrical charge, current–voltage and current–power curves, and the evolution of concentrations of chemical species. The model behaviour is illustrated using a test case based on detailed experimental observations reported in the literature for a microbial fuel cell operated in batch mode and repeatedly fed with a single substrate. A detailed model parameter estimation procedure is presented. The model simulates the current–time evolution and voltage–current curves in the MFC with glucose as anode substrate and the ferrocyanide/ferricyanide redox couple as the oxidation reaction at the cathode. Simulations show the effect of different parameters (electrical resistance, mass transfer resistance, exchange current, coulombic yields and biomass, substrate and mediator concentrations) on the MFC characteristics. The model explains how the endogenous metabolism or intracellular substrate storage could lead to a non-zero background current even when the added substrate has been depleted. Different trends (increasing or decreasing) in the initial current are explained by the initial oxidation state of the mediator (oxidized or reduced, respectively). The model has potential applications for other bioelectrochemical systems.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the European Union through Marie Curie Transfer of Knowledge fellowships to Cristian Picioreanu and Krishna Katuri (contract MTKD-CT-2004-517215).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC, Delft, The Netherlands

    Cristian Picioreanu & Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht

  2. School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Merz Court, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 7RU, UK

    Krishna P. Katuri & Keith Scott

  3. School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Devonshire Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 7RU, UK

    Ian M. Head

Authors
  1. Cristian Picioreanu
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  2. Krishna P. Katuri
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  3. Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht
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  4. Ian M. Head
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  5. Keith Scott
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Correspondence to Keith Scott.

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Picioreanu, C., Katuri, K.P., van Loosdrecht, M.C.M. et al. Modelling microbial fuel cells with suspended cells and added electron transfer mediator. J Appl Electrochem 40, 151–162 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-009-9991-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-009-9991-2

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