Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells: Opinion of the Factors Impeding the Deployment

Abstract

This article explores the potential and limitations of Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells (SMFCs) and their deployment for sustainable energy production and environmental remediation. SMFCs use naturally occurring redox gradients in sediments to produce bioelectricity, making them advantageous over conventional energy sources due to their affordability, simplicity, and ability to operate in various environments with minimum maintenance requirements. However, their low power output density restricts their practical applicability. The article discusses the controllable and uncontrollable factors that affect SMFC performance and their influence on SMFC functionality, electrode material, external resistance, electrode spacing, electrode design, electrode immersion dimensions, and catalyst. The article highlights the challenges facing SMFC deployment, particularly in large-scale businesses, such as the need for more scientific literature on SMFCs and inadequate focus on energy metrics.