Cast and 3D printed ion exchange membranes for monolithic microbial fuel cell fabrication

JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES

卷:289

Article

Philamore, Hemma¹  Rossiter, Jonathan¹  Walters, Peter³  Winfield, Jonathan²  Ieropoulos, Ioannis² 

[1] Univ Bristol, Dept Engn Math, Bristol BS8 1TH, Avon, England

[2] Univ W England, Bristol Robot Lab, Bristol BioEnergy Ctr, Bristol BS16 1QY, Avon, England

[3] Univ W England, Ctr Fine Print Res, Bristol BS3 2JT, Avon, England

关键词: Microbial fuel cell;    3D printing;    Ion-exchange membrane;    Oxygen-diffusion cathodes;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.04.113

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

We present novel solutions to a key challenge in microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology; greater power density through increased relative surface area of the ion exchange membrane that separates the anode and cathode electrodes. The first use of a 3D printed polymer and a cast latex membrane are compared to a conventionally used cation exchange membrane. These new techniques significantly expand the geometric versatility available to ion exchange membranes in MFCs, which may be instrumental in answering challenges in the design of MFCs including miniaturisation, cost and ease of fabrication. Under electrical load conditions selected for optimal power transfer, peak power production (mean 10 batch feeds) was 1139 mu W (CEM), 10.51 mu W (latex) and 0.92 mu W (Tangoplus). Change in conductivity and pH of anolyte were correlated with MFC power production. Digital and environmental scanning electron microscopy show structural changes to and biological precipitation on membrane materials following long term use in an MFC. The cost of the novel membranes was lower than the conventional CEM. The efficacy of two novel membranes for ion exchange indicates that further characterisation of these materials and their fabrication techniques, shows great potential to significantly increase the range and type of MFCs that can be produced. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

【 授权许可】

Free