Continuous flow membrane-less air cathode microbial fuel cell with spunbonded olefin diffusion layer

► Novel membrane-less air cathode MFC was operated under continuous flow mode for 53 days. ► Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) gas diffusion layer was replaced with a low cost spunbonded olefin sheet. ► Olefin sheet effectively controlled oxygen diffusion and water leakage. ► Coulombic efficiency values over 55% were achieved. ► Power density was comparable to those obtained by MFCs having PTFE coating.