Philippine E-Journals

Fabrication of a Double Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell using Diesel Exhaust Particles and Zeolite As Electrodes for Voltage Production

Keren Keziah F. Tangarorang | Kevin B. Gepulle | Florenzo Isaac E. Romance | Luzviminda A. Dinglasan | Gil Nonato C. Santos

 

Abstract:

Electrical energy demand and sludge sanitation problems grow rapidly. While sludge treatment requires a huge amount of electricity, sludge itself may be utilized to harness a lot of energy. This study determined the potential of Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEPs) and Zeolite as anode and cathode, respectively, to generate a voltage in Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) and identify the organisms that were present on the electrodes. DEP and Zeolite were collected and pulverized into fine powder. DEP (330mg) and Zeolite (330mg) were pasted on 2.5cmx3cm steel mesh using 1mL nail polish. Morphologies of the electrodes were examined using Jeol, JSM- v45310 SEM and elemental compositions were determined using EDX. MFCs with sludge and tap water as substrates for anode and cathode, respectively, and were measured individually for voltage production using a multitester. Bacteria present on the electrode were isolated and identified phenotypically up to genus level. SEM and EDX results showed DEP has a nanospherical structure with an average particle size of 57.28nm, which increases the voltage generation by increasing the surface area, DEP is composed of 39.73% C while Zeolite has Al and Si which indicates the adsorption capability of Zeolite. Voltage outputs of the MFCs for 24h were calculated by area under the curve: Mesh- Mesh (6,480mVh), Mesh-Zeolite (5,895mVh), DEP-Mesh (8,082mVh),DEP-Zeolite (8,022mVh) and DEP-Zeolite (tap water-52.46mVh). The second setup was made using DEP-Z and was observed for 24h which produced a total power of 294.24 mWh. Isolated and characterized Pseudomonas spp. and Aeromonas spp. from the surface of the electrodes in the MFCs possibly contributed to voltage generation. DEP is a bio-compatible anode to Aeromonas spp. and Pseudomonas spp. while an adsorptive Zeolite as a cathode enhances voltage production. Hence, DEP and Zeolite can be fabricated as a biocompatible anode and adsorptive zeolite for low-cost MFC technology.