Oregon State University Creates Highly Efficient Microbial Fuel Cell

Oregon State University has created a highly efficient microbial fuel cell. A microbial fuel cell is one that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. This technology is based on oxidation of organic matter by bacteria. Electrons generated during the process move from fuel cell's anode to it's cathode, producing electric current. Organic matter used in the process can include any waste material such as wastewater, animal waste and byproducts from other industries. It produces energy far more than that required by wasterwater plants.

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This process not only produces sufficient electricity but also cleans the wasterwater simultaneously, without producing any unwanted byproducts. OSU had previously developed a similar less-efficient system. The efficiency is now increased by reducing the distance between electrodes, using evolved microbes and changing separator material. According to an estimate, the technique is capable of producing 10 to 50 times more electricity per volume, as compared to present microbial fuel cell systems.

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