Microbial Fuel Cells
Today we are witnessing a global energy crisis due to huge energy demands and limited resources. Non-renewable energy sources are depleting and renewable energy sources are not properly utilized. There is an immediate need to search for alternate energy generation routes.
The demand for power backup has also increased as a result of human population growth and standardization of lifestyle. Even if there have been many innovations for producing power, the alternative method presents business difficulties because the energy supply might not be able to keep up with the demand.
A developing technology, the microbial fuel cell (MFC), has the potential to replace existing energy backup systems. It is a biological electrochemical process in which electricity can be produced using the electrons released from microorganisms through anaerobic oxidation, which also resembles the bacterial interactions that occur naturally.
Terracotta-based Microbial Fuel Cells are the main focus of our research lab's attention because they are both environmentally friendly and economically viable. Here, we're focusing on what's causing poor people's houses to be without electricity. Kitchen garbage or any other home waste can simply be converted into protons and electrons, which activate the MFC and cause it to produce power. Although it has a large potential for power output, multiplication allows for observation.
Terracotta is the preferred material for Fuel Cells because it can withstand the high operating temperatures needed for operation and because its porosity and permeability may be tailored to create a suitable electrode material. These qualities can be advantageous for operation at room temperature. MFC Set up it consists of a Cathode part, anode part, electrolyte and a separator the anodic part is fed by an electrolyte where the bacterias release electrons and the cathodic part is aerobic, they are separated by a membrane that is terracotta. The connections must be customized to get the improvised voltage and current. Also maintaining cells without foul smell in this type of Terracotta-based MFC is challenging.