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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

On the Effects of Ferricyanide as Cathodic Mediator on the Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells

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Author(s):
Penteado, Eduardo D. ; Maria Fernandez-Marchante, Carmen ; Zaiat, Marcelo ; Gonzalez, Ernesto Rafael ; Andres Rodrigo, Manuel
Total Authors: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: ELECTROCATALYSIS; v. 8, n. 1, p. 59-66, JAN 2017.
Web of Science Citations: 8
Abstract

This study provides an insight into the long-term influence of the use of ferricyanide in the cathode chamber of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) on the power generated and the COD removal attained. Two MFCs were operated in semicontinuous mode, using winery wastewater as fuel, activated sludge as the anodic inoculum, and concentrations of 0.05 and 0.25 M of ferrocyanide added in the cathode chamber as redox mediators. The MFC used had two chambers separated by a proton exchange membrane SterionA (R). The results show that permeability of the membrane to mediators is a factor of the major significance. Under no crossover, the mediator produced a positive effect on the electricity generation and COD removal. However, as the experiments progressed, a significant concentration of mediator was detected in the anode chamber and the performance of the MFC gets worse. This work reports results that help to understand the main processes happening in the MFC. Crossover of ferrocyanide and ferricyanide to the anodic chamber reduces efficiency in the production of electricity The couple ferrocyanide/ferricyanide in the cathode chamber of an MFC can improve the performance in terms of COD removal and energy efficiency At low mediator concentration, a maximum in the power generation and COD removal can be attained At high mediator concentration, there was inhibition of biodegradation of winery wastewater. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/15984-0 - Bioenergy production from wastewaters and environmental fitting of liquid and solid wastes generated
Grantee:Marcelo Zaiat
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 14/07904-5 - Winery wastewater treatment in microbial fuel cell
Grantee:Eduardo Dellosso Penteado
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 11/23026-0 - Wastewater treatment in microbial fuel cell and direct electric power generation: fundaments and application
Grantee:Eduardo Dellosso Penteado
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate