The performance of a thermophilic microbial fuel cell fed with synthesis gas

This study demonstrated electricity generation in a thermophilic microbial fuel cell (MFC) operated on synthesis gas (syngas) as the sole electron donor. At 50 °C, a volumetric power output of 30–35 mW LR−1 and a syngas conversion efficiency of 87–98% was achieved. The observed pathway of syngas conversion to electricity primarily consisted of a two-step process, where the carbon monoxide and hydrogen were first converted to acetate, which was then consumed by the anodophilic bacteria to produce electricity. A denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of the 16S rDNA revealed the presence of Geobacter species, Acetobacter, methanogens and several uncultured bacteria and archaea in the anodic chamber.

► For the first time electricity production from syngas is demonstrated in a thermophilic MFC. ► A syngas conversion efficiency of 87–98% and a Coulombic efficiency of 20–26% is achieved. ► Electricity production is accomplished by a thermophilic consortium of anodophilic, carboxydotrophic, and homoacetogenic microorganisms.