Performance of an anion exchange membrane in association with cathodic parameters in a dual chamber microbial fuel cell

Performance of two-chambered microbial fuel cells (MFCs) using anion exchange membrane (AEM) was evaluated under batch mode with Shewanella putrefaciens in Luria broth. Maximum voltage and power density using Nafion and Ralex AEM were 0.676 V and 0.729 V and 39.2 ± 7.39 mW/m2 and 57.8 ± 5.509 mW/m2 respectively. Cathodic half cell potential was monitored along with cathodic pH and the results revealed that low power density was achieved in case of Nafion as compared to Ralex AEM mainly due to pH imbalance associated voltage losses using small external resistance of the same. Metabolite loss in AEM was found at higher current density which limits the Coulombic efficiency and power generation. A three parameters optimization showed that surface area of cathode had significant effect on the power generation. Effect of anode surface area, dissolve oxygen (DO) in catholyte and electrode spacing on power production were evaluated using AEM membrane.

► Two-chamber flat plate mediator-less MFC performance using AEM by Shewanella putrefaciens.
► Low power density achieved using CEM as compared to AEM due to pH imbalance.
► Metabolite crossover restricts power generation at higher current density in AEM.
► Surface area of cathode had significant effect on the power generation.
► DO in catholyte and electrode spacing influenced the power production.