Citation

Mohammed Qasem Albadani, Mohammed Adel (2024) Electrodes configuration optimization for microbial fuel cell low power applications. Masters thesis, Multimedia University.

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Abstract

This research addresses the challenge of achieving energy sustainability in remote areas by powering wireless sensors and developing innovative technology that utilises a new renewable energy source. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a promising technology for generating electricity from various natural organic matter. However, the restricted power output of MFC is the most significant impediment to their widespread use and up-scaling in practical applications. The anode electrode is the most critical component of an MFC, as poor anode electrode performance can lead to overall inefficiency in MFCs. The effectiveness of electrode materials profoundly influences MFC performance and cost. Different electrode materials possess distinct physical and chemical properties that impact microbial attachment, electron transfer, and electrode resistance. Hence, selecting and developing appropriate electrode materials are paramount in enhancing MFC performance. The main objective of this study is to improve the performance of the MFC by designing and modifying the electrode materials to harvest maximum energy. Moreover, MFC often produces insufficient voltage and power to power electronic devices, sensors, and communication devices. Therefore, another aim of this research is to improve the electrical potential output from the MFC and integrate the MFC with a power management system (PMS) capable of collecting, increasing, and regulating the electrical energy generated by the MFC. Hence, this research introduces three distinct modifications to electrode materials: stainless steel mesh (SSM), carbon cloth (CC), and carbon felt (CF). These materials are treated with carbon powder (CP), a combination of CP and iron, and a mixture of CP and sodium citrate with ethanol. Notably, the 3Dmodified SSM with a CP anode (3D-SSM-CP) MFC demonstrated a significantly improved maximum power density of 1417.07 mW/m2 , a substantial increase compared to the unmodified SSM anode. Furthermore, the 3D-SSM-CP electrode was integrated into single-chamber MFCs, powering an Internet of Things (IoT) device (LoRa) via a PMS. These modifications enhanced MFC performance using cost-effective and easily implementable techniques. The outcomes of this study are anticipated to contribute to the advancement of MFC performance, thus positioning it as a more viable and valuable renewable energy source.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Additional Information:	Call No.: TK2933.M53 A43 2024
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Microbial fuel cells
Subjects:	T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering > TK2896-2985 Production of electricity by direct energy conversion
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET)
Depositing User:	Ms Nurul Iqtiani Ahmad
Date Deposited:	03 Feb 2025 03:24
Last Modified:	03 Feb 2025 03:24
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/13342

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