Progress and Recent Trends in Microbial Fuel Cells

Progress and Recent Trends in Microbial Fuel Cells provides an in-depth analysis of the fundamentals, working principles and advancements (including commercialization aspects) made in the field of MFC research, with critical analyses and opinions from experts around the world. In addition, special attention is given to the area of electrolyte membranes and membrane electrode assemblies for application in MFCs. As microbial fuel cells are emerging as potential alternative energy harnessing devices, and because polymeric membranes have been one of the most critical factors towards achieving this progress and multiple applications, this technology is extremely attractive and important.

Reviews and compares MFCs with other alternative energy harnessing devices, particularly in comparison to other fuel cellsAnalyzes developments of electrolyte membranes, particularly polymer based, as a critical component of MFCs responsible for its present and future progressIncludes commercial aspects of MFCs in terms of (i) generation of electricity, (ii) bio-hydrogen production, (iii) waste-water and sludge treatment and (iv) bio-sensing

1. Introduction to microbial fuel cells 2. Performance trends and status of microbial fuel cells 3. Configurations of microbial fuel cells 4. Polymer electrolyte membranes for microbial fuel cells: Part A. Nafion-based membranes 5. Polymer electrolyte membranes for microbial fuel cells: Part B. Non-nafion alternative membranes 6. Bipolar membranes for microbial fuel cells 7. Low-cost solutions for fabrication of microbial fuel cells: Ceramic separator and electrode modifications 8. Electrodes for microbial fuel cells 9. Anode catalysts and biocatalysts for microbial fuel cells 10. Propellants of microbial fuel cells 11. Exoelectrogens for microbial fuel cells 12. Biofilm formation within microbial fuel cells 13. Genetic approaches for improving performance of microbial fuel cells: Part A 14. Genetic approaches for improving performance of microbial fuel cells: Part B 15. Kinetics and mass transfer within microbial fuel cells 16. Biochemistry and electrochemistry at the electrodes of microbial fuel cells 17. Wastewater biorefinery based on microbial electrolysis cell: Opportunities and challenges 18. Microbial fuel cells as a platform technology for sustainable wastewater treatment 19. Microbial desalination cell technology: Functions and future prospects 20. Coupled systems based on microbial fuel cells 21. Commercialization aspects of microbial fuel cells