Performance Enhancement Of Mems-Based Microbial Fuel Cells (μMFC) For Microscale Power Generation

[摘要] This paper reports the design, fabrication, and testing of a microliter scale Microbial Fuel Cell (μMFC) based on silicon MEMS fabrication technology. μMFC systems are operated under different loads or open circuit to compare the effect of different acclimatization conditions on start-up time. Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 is preferred to be the biocatalyst. The internal resistance is calculated as 20 kΩ under these conditions. Acclimatization of μMFC under a finite load resulted in shorter start-up time (30 hours) when compared to the open load case. Power and current densities normalized to anode area are 2 μW/cm2and 12 μA/cm2respectively. When the load resistance value is closer to the internal resistance of the μMFC, higher power and current densities are achieved as expected, and it resulted in a shorter start-up time. Further studies focusing on the different acclimatization techniques for μMFC could pave the way to use μMFCs as fast and efficient portable power sources.

[发布机构] Department of Micro and Nanotechnology, Middle East Technical University, Ankara; 06800, Turkey^1;Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara; 06800, Turkey^2;Mikro Biyosistemler Inc., Ankara; 06530, Turkey^3;METU-MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara; 06800, Turkey^4

[效力级别] 能源学

[关键词] Internal resistance;Load resistances;Microscale power generation;Open circuits;Performance enhancements;Portable power sources;Shewanella oneidensis MR-1;Silicon MEMS