Research Article

Influences of initial pH on performance and anodic microbes of fed-batch microbial fuel cells

  1. Libin Zhang,
  2. Chao Li,
  3. Lili Ding,
  4. Ke Xu,
  5. Hongqiang Ren*

Article first published online: 5 MAY 2011

DOI: 10.1002/jctb.2641

Issue

Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology

Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology

Volume 86, Issue 9, pages 1226–1232, September 2011

Additional Information

How to Cite

Zhang, L., Li, C., Ding, L., Xu, K. and Ren, H. (2011), Influences of initial pH on performance and anodic microbes of fed-batch microbial fuel cells. J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol., 86: 1226–1232. doi: 10.1002/jctb.2641

Author Information

  1. State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjin University, Nanjing 210046, PR China

*State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, PR China.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 15 AUG 2011
  2. Article first published online: 5 MAY 2011
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 28 MAR 2011
  4. Manuscript Revised: 27 MAR 2011
  5. Manuscript Received: 1 FEB 2011

Funded by

  • National High Technology Research and Development Program of China. Grant Number: 2009AA033003
  • National Water Pollution Control and Management Science and Technology. Grant Number: 2009ZX07106-004

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Keywords:

  • microbial fuel cell;
  • pH;
  • anodic microbe;
  • biofilm

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of pH on performance and anodic microbes of MFCs (microbial fuel cells), double-chamber MFCs were fed-batch operated at four different values of initial pH (4, 5, 6, and 7) and the changes in anodic microbes (species and appearance) were studied.

RESULTS: Lower voltage outputs (232–284 mV vs. 311–339 mV) and power generation (95–116 mW m−2 vs. 182–237 mW m−2) with faster COD removal were obtained under acidic pH conditions. Simplicispira, Variovorax, Comamonas, and Acinetobacter were the major communities under acidic conditions, while Chlorobi, Aquaspirillum, and Sphingomonas were in the majority under neutral conditions. Anodic biofilms cracked and reduced at pH ≤5. MFCs operated at pH 4 failed to recover optimal electricity generation when pH was readjusted to 7. There were significant correlations between the time-course pH changes (anodic and cathodic) and voltage outputs of the MFC under neutral conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: Injured anodic microbes and biofilms may be the reason for decreased MFC performance under acidic conditions. pH ≤4 may cause long-term, even irreversible reduction to MFC performances. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry

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