Performance of a Yeast-mediated Biological Fuel Cell
Author Information
Author(s): Gunawardena Anuradh, Fernando Sandun, To Filip
Primary Institution: Texas A&M University
Hypothesis
The study aims to parameterize the performance of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae based fuel cell and evaluate the effect of extraneous mediators on its performance.
Conclusion
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based fuel cell generated a maximum power of 146.71±7.7 mW/m3 with a maximum operational efficiency of 28±1.8 % when methylene blue was used as a mediator.
Supporting Evidence
- The yeast microbial fuel cell showed improved performance with methylene blue and ferricyanide as electron mediators.
- The maximum open circuit voltage recorded was 383.6±1.5 mV.
- The maximum efficiency of the fuel cell was 28±1.8 % under optimal conditions.
- Using mediators significantly enhanced the fuel cell performance compared to a mediator-free environment.
Takeaway
This study shows that using yeast in a fuel cell can produce electricity, especially when certain chemicals are added to help the yeast work better.
Methodology
The study involved constructing a microbial fuel cell using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, testing different mediators, and measuring power generation under various loads.
Limitations
The low performance of the fuel cell could be attributed to high overpotential for reduction of O2 and electron transfer inefficiencies.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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