Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giacomo Spisni, Giulia Massaglia, Valentina Bertana, Nicolo Vasile, Fabrizio C. Pirri, Stefano Bianco, Marzia Quaglio
Summary: This study proposes a redesign of asymmetric single-chamber microbial fuel cells (a-SCMFCs) with the goal of optimizing energy production. The introduction of a novel intermediate microfluidic septum (IMS) inside the electrolyte chamber is shown to enhance energy recovery and maximum output potential. The presence of IMS also improves the long-term stability and initial inoculation phase of electrical performance.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mehrdad Mashkour, Mostafa Rahimnejad, Mahdi Mashkour, Francesca Soavi
Summary: A novel membrane electrode assembly (MEA) was fabricated and evaluated as an air-cathode in a single-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC), showing higher performance in electricity generation and wastewater treatment at a lower cost compared to a PTFE-based gas diffusion electrode (GDE).
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bi-Lin Lai, Hai-Xia Liao, Shu-Qi Zhou, Hui-Xu Wei, Ai-Yi Li, Nan Li, Zhao-Qing Liu
Summary: This study successfully prepared a series of chalcogen-modified copper and nitrogen co-doped catalysts, which showed improved oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance through proper chalcogen doping while maintaining antibacterial properties. Among these catalysts, the optimized Cu2S@Cu-SNC-2 catalyst exhibited excellent durability and ORR activity, outperforming the commercial Pt/C catalyst. The MFC based on Cu2S@Cu-SNC-2 also achieved significantly higher power density and had fewer cathode biofilms.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Soumya Pandit, Minaxi Sharma, Srijoni Banerjee, Bikram Kumar Nayak, Debabrata Das, Santimoy Khilari, Ram Prasad
Summary: This study explores the production of phototrophic cyanobacterial biomass while simultaneously sequestering CO2, selecting an effective pretreatment condition and using it as feedstock for green fuel or bioelectricity production in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). Various photobioreactors were compared for Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 biomass production, with maximum microalgal biomass of 1.15 g/L achieved in an airlift bioreactor for 9 days under a light intensity of 100 mu Em-2s-1. Pretreatment methods including sonication, HCl acid, and H2O2 treatment were applied to digest the harvested biomass. Acid pre-treated biomass resulted in higher power output (6.76 W/m3) and 73.5% COD elimination. The results demonstrate the successful utilization of cyanobacterial biomass as a renewable resource for green fuel generation in MFCs.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Electrochemistry
KeChrist Obileke, Helen Onyeaka, Edson L. Meyer, Nwabunwanne Nwokolo
Summary: The study evaluates microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for generating electricity through biochemical reactions. MFCs can achieve high power density and chemical oxygen demand removal by selecting proper microbes, operation mode, suitable materials, and improved design. However, full-scale application is hindered by materials cost and wastewater buffering capacity, with industrial applications still at the demonstration stage. This research provides new perspectives and steps for scale-up by emphasizing microbe selection criteria and activity.
ELECTROCHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junfeng Chen, Kunqi Zhao, Yiqun Wu, Jinyu Liu, Renjun Wang, Yuewei Yang, Yanyan Liu
Summary: The property of cathode in microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a key factor limiting its output performance. MnO2 nanorods were prepared by hydrothermal method and used as cathode catalysts for MFCs. The unique crystal planes and abundant hydroxyl groups on the surface of MnO2 nanorods provided active adsorption sites, leading to a significantly higher power density and stability compared to other cathode materials.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Xunan Yang, Shanshan Chen
Summary: Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are devices that harvest electrical energy from sediments rich in organic matter. The microorganisms play a crucial role in SMFCs, making them important for research on their functions and applications.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Anappara Sumisha, Krishnan Haribabu
Summary: Energy generation in a membraneless single-chamber microbial fuel cell using iron(III) as electron acceptor with Shewanella putrefaciens as biocatalyst was studied, achieving a maximum stable voltage of 0.769 V in batch mode and 0.81 V in continuous mode. The batch system showed a metal removal efficiency of 91.1% and a total organic carbon removal of 85.5%, while the continuous system exhibited substrate degradation of 91.8% and iron removal of 86.4% at 13 hours of hydraulic retention time.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhigang Yang, Jiaze Li, Feiyong Chen, Linxu Xu, Yan Jin, Sisi Xu, Jin Wang, Xue Shen, Lijie Zhang, Yang Song
Summary: A algae-assisted triple-chamber microbial fuel cell system was established to efficiently remove Cu2+, COD, and nitrogen from wastewater, while also generating electricity, achieving effective removal of heavy metal pollutants. Algae played a significant role in the system, potentially having a greater impact on microbial communities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Dennis R. Haupt, Laura Landwehr, Rene Schumann, Lena Hahn, Mohammad Issa, Can Coskun, Ulrich Kunz, Michael Sievers
Summary: Microbial fuel cells are a promising technology for wastewater treatment, with the potential for simultaneous cleaning and power generation. Gas diffusion electrodes have the potential to overcome the bottleneck of cathodes, but biofilm formation can reduce their performance. The study explores a new reactor design using rotating gas diffusion electrodes and investigates different antifouling strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ok-Hee Kim, Hee Ji Choi, Sun Young Kang, Ga Young Jang, Mohanraju Karuppannan, Ji Eun Park, Yung-Eun Sung, Oh Joong Kwon, Yong-Hun Cho
Summary: This study investigates the operating conditions and electrochemical environment of direct urea fuel cells (DUFCs) and finds the optimal conditions for achieving maximum performance. The findings have potential implications for the development of new catalysts and MEA materials.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiayuan Wu, Zixuan Chen, Zuopeng Lv, Lina Zhang, Fengxue Xin, Yan Li, Guannan Liu, Weiliang Dong, Ping Wei, Honghua Jia
Summary: A novel synchronous acclimation strategy involving continuous addition of sludge with chloramphenicol was established to significantly enhance the formation of a highly efficient CAP-degrading anode biofilm in microbial fuel cells. The unique loose and porous biofilm with high permeability and cell viability supported by interwoven cobweb-shaped proteins facilitated mass and electron transfer, primarily leading to the improvements in power density and CAP-tolerant concentration. This study provides a possibility to improve the long-term operation efficiency of antibiotic-degrading electrode biofilms for bioelectrochemical technology through a simple and efficient acclimation strategy.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuting He, Jienan Yang, Qian Fu, Jun Li, Liang Zhang, Xun Zhu, Qiang Liao
Summary: A designing approach using 3D printing technology and electropolymerization was proposed to obtain high-performance bioanodes for microbial fuel cells (MFCs), significantly improving power output and showing promising practical prospects. The optimized macro- and microstructure of the bioanode achieved a high power density of 22.4 +/- 0.6 W/m2, 18.7 times higher than that of commercial carbon felt electrode, indicating a new insight for bioanode design in MFCs.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pewee Datoo Kolubah, Hend Omar Mohamed, Maya Ayach, Ananda Rao Hari, Husam N. Alshareef, Pascal Saikaly, Kyu-Jung Chae, Pedro Castano
Summary: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have great potential for treating wastewater and reducing energy demands while generating electricity. However, the low power density produced by MFCs limits their practical application. In this study, a tungsten nitride (W2N)-MXene composite catalyst is introduced to enhance the anode surface and improve the overall performance of MFCs during wastewater treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jianqi Yuan, Haiguang Yuan, Shaobin Huang, Lijie Liu, Feichao Fu, Yongqing Zhang, Fangqin Cheng, Jianfeng Li
Summary: This study compared the effects and bacterial community structure of single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in treating NH4+-containing wastewater with different COD/N ratios. Results showed that MFCs with low COD/N had better NH4+-N removal and electrochemical performance, while MFCs with high COD/N had better removal stability and COD removal effect. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the anode community structure was weakly affected by the COD/N ratio, with Geobacter dominating, but the cathode community was complex and susceptible to the COD/N ratio. pH profiling in the cathode biofilm and FISH were used to confirm the distribution trends of nitrifiers and denitrifiers.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuwei Ai, Xiaoping Li, Yu Gao, Meng Zhang, Yuchao Zhang, Xu Zhang, Xiangyang Yan, Bin Liu, Hongtao Yu
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Meng Zhang, Xiaoping Li, Rui Yang, Jiwen Wang, Yuwei Ai, Yu Gao, Yuchao Zhang, Xu Zhang, Xiangyang Yan, Bin Liu, Hongtao Yu
ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoping Li, Yue Cai, Dongying Liu, Yuwei Ai, Meng Zhang, Yu Gao, Yuchao Zhang, Xu Zhang, Xiangyang Yan, Bin Liu, Hongtao Yu, Howard W. Mielke
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianyue Peng, David O'Connor, Bin Zhao, Yuanliang Jin, Yunhui Zhang, Li Tian, Na Zheng, Xiaoping Li, Deyi Hou
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiayan Wu, Yanhua Wang, Zixuan Wu, Ya Gao, Xiaoping Li
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoping Li, Bin Liu, Yu Zhang, Jiwen Wang, Hameed Ullah, Ming Zhou, Liyuan Peng, Ana He, Xu Zhang, Xiangyang Yan, Tao Yang, Lijun Wang, Hongtao Yu
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bianbian Ma, Lijun Wang, Wendong Tao, Mengmei Liu, Panqing Zhang, Shengwei Zhang, Xiaoping Li, Xinwei Lu
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoping Li, Yu Zhang, Ting Wu, Xuemeng Sun, Tao Yang, Lijun Wang, Xiaoyu Li, Jingzhi Wang, Yanhua Wang, Hongtao Yu
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jinlong Zhang, Jieru Zhai, Hao Zheng, Xiaoyun Li, Yuru Wang, Xiaoping Li, Baoshan Xing
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tao Yang, Qian Zhang, Xuhao Wan, Xiaoping Li, Yiyan Wang, Wei Wang
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuhan Cao, Xiaoping Li, Feng He, Xuemeng Sun, Xu Zhang, Tao Yang, Jie Dong, Yu Gao, Qishang Zhou, Danqian Shi, Jiwen Wang, Hongtao Yu
Summary: A study on the status of toxic metals in the soil-dust-plant total environment of a Coal-Gas industrial city in NW China found that different toxic metals exhibited varied occurrences in different media, with coal combustion and industrial activities identified as the most significant sources of risk.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoping Li, Xiangyang Yan, Ting Wu, Xu Zhang, Hongtao Yu
Summary: The study revealed that fine fractions of <1 micron in contaminated soil accumulated more PTMs, with higher mobility and bioaccessibility. It is suggested that further environmental management is necessary to prevent the risk of PTMs from Pb-bearing micro-nano size fractions in industrial contaminated soil.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Zhang, Jie Dong, Xiaoping Li, Bin Liu, Jiwen Wang, Yuhan Cao, Tao Li
Summary: The study revealed significant non-carcinogenic risks posed by multi-trace metals/metalloids in urban soils and street dusts for children aged 0-6, with total carcinogenic risks falling within ignored range. The ancient city wall environment may enhance children's exposure risks to metal emissions, especially toxic Cr.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
Xiaoping Li, Hameed Ullah, Xuemeng Sun, Xiangyang Yan, Jie Dong, Yu Gao, Yuhan Cao, Tao Li, Hongtao Yu
Summary: This study investigates the spatial distribution, pollution status, and health risks of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in urban soil, street dust, and plants in Lanzhou, China. The findings reveal that priority metals from traffic sources show similar transfer trends among soil-dust-plant environments, and coal combustion and industrial emissions are important sources of metals. The study highlights the high carcinogenic risk of toxic metals for children, emphasizing the need for attention to lead contamination and monitoring of children aged 0-6 years old.
EXPOSURE AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoping Li, Liyuan Peng, Yue Cai, Feng He, Qishang Zhou, Danqian Shi
Summary: PbOx (PbO2 and PbO, x = 1, 2) nanoparticles were found to have dose- and size-dependent phytotoxic effects on maize. Water uptake was crucial for the effects on germination and root elongation, while particle size and water transpiration processes influenced maize growth and biomass production. Additionally, PbOx nanoparticles significantly affected the nutrient content in maize roots and shoots, and had significant impacts on maize growth and grain development. The research revealed the bioaccumulation of PbO/PbO2 nanoparticles in maize cell organelles and highlighted their threat to human dietary health.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)