Effect of Stacking Microbial Fuel Cells on Electricity Generation from Sludge

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bioreactors that convert energy in the chemical bonds of organic compounds into electrical energy through catalytic activity of electrogenic micro-organisms, under anaerobic conditions. In this study, a stacked MFC consisting of 4 single MFCs was assembled using microbial sludge and connected in series. 1.0 V of electricity was generated in each cell and as much as 4.0V of electricity was generated in the four stacked cells. The stacked MFC was used to power a flashlight and a 4.0-volt LED light bulb. The electricity generated decreased with time due to a decrease in microbial activity and increased with increase in the number of stacked cells.