Catalytic response of microbial biofilms grown under fixed anode potentials depends on electrochemical cell configuration

Amit Kumar*, Alma Siggins, Krishna Katuri, Therese Mahony, Vincent O'Flaherty, Piet Lens, Dónal Leech

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    In microbial electrochemical cells the anode potential can vary over a wide range, which alters the thermodynamic energy available for bacterial-electrode electron exchange (termed electroactive bacteria). We investigated how anode potential affected the microbial catalytic response of the electroactive biofilm. Microbial biofilms induced to grow on graphite electrodes by application of a fixed applied anode potential in membrane-separated and membrane-less electrochemical cells show differences in electrocatalytic response. Maximum current density is obtained using +0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl to induce biofilm growth in membrane-less cells, in contrast to a maximum achieved at lower applied potentials in a membrane-separated electrochemical cell configuration. This insight into differences in optimal applied potentials based on cell configuration can play an important role in selection of parameters required for microbial fuel cells and bio-electrochemical systems.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)532-536
    Number of pages5
    JournalChemical Engineering Journal
    Volume230
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Jan 1 2013

    Keywords

    • Applied anode potential
    • Bioelectrochemical reactor configuration
    • Bioelectrochemistry
    • Bioenergy
    • Fuel cell
    • Microbial biofilm

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Chemistry
    • Environmental Chemistry
    • General Chemical Engineering
    • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Catalytic response of microbial biofilms grown under fixed anode potentials depends on electrochemical cell configuration'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this