Work

Performance Comparison of Microbial Fuel Cells Using Ceramic Membranes Fabricated from Various Commercial Clays for Wastewater Treatment Purposes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a sustainable alternative for wastewater treatment by simultaneously removing organic pollutants and generating energy. In this work, ceramic membranes were fabricated from low-cost locally available clays and tested as separators in MFCs. The systems achieved chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies of up to 95%, comparable to those obtained with conventional Nafion membranes. In terms of energy performance, the ceramic membranes maintained open-circuit voltages of 0.80 ± 0.05 V during batch operation with voltage generation cycles ranging from 6 to 3 days, and delivered power densities between 140 and 180 mW/m2 under closed-circuit conditions. These values were very similar to those obtained with Nafion. The ceramic membranes maintained consistent COD removal performance during successive batch feeding cycles, confirming their stability under repeated operation. Overall, these results highlight the potential of ceramic materials as cost-effective and robust alternatives for large-scale wastewater treatment using MFC technology.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w17213064

Authors: Fernando Andrés Rojas Aguilar, Víctor A. Ramírez Coutiño, Luis A. Godínez, Francisco J. Rodríguez-Valadez

Institutions: Center of Research and Technologic Development in Electrochemistry, Universidad Tecnológica de Querétaro, Autonomous University of Queretaro

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137