Mathematical modeling and experimental studies in microbial fuel cells

Abstract

Microbial Fuel Cells have gained prominence in recent years as a way to convert organic waste, including wastewaters, in bioelectricity. During the internship will be performed experimental studies to quantify the performance and optimize the efficiency of electricity generation in CCM, adapt mathematical models for the tested configurations and perform a "scale-up" in CCM that perform better. Will be tested different materials for the anode, the cathode for different areas and Proton Exchange Membrane with variable thickness with their respective. To assess more accurately the interference of the CCM materials will be fed with a synthetic substrate acetate based, the reactors will be inoculated with strains of Geobacter sulfurreducens, The CCM will be monitored continuously as the generation of energy using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) which allows to evaluate the performance of CCM. There will also be monitoring the efficiency of removal of acetate in CCM analyzes with the influent and effluent of the same: Total Organic Carbon and COD, pH and alkalinity. Results will be separated by reactor operating conditions and operational phases. (AU)