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Microbial Fuel Cells for Electrical Energy: Outlook on Scaling-Up and Application Possibilities towards South African Energy Grid

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  • Khaya Pearlman Shabangu

    (Environmental Pollution and Remediation Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Jacobs 4062, South Africa)

  • Babatunde Femi Bakare

    (Environmental Pollution and Remediation Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Jacobs 4062, South Africa)

  • Joseph Kapuku Bwapwa

    (Environmental Pollution and Remediation Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Jacobs 4062, South Africa)

Abstract

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology turns chemical energy into bioelectricity in a clean and efficient manner, lowering carbon emissions and increasing bioenergy production. It is a multifaceted technique that has the potential to be a panacea for clean water scarcity and sustainable, renewable energy. In this review, the approach focuses on scaling-up and application prospects at a commercial scale. An outlook on various, previously tried methodologies was generated in order to establish a viable bioelectricity scaling-up approach that is also cost-effective in its design. Precise themes were followed to evaluate previously produced models and methodologies for MFCs: principle and anatomical mechanisms, basic applications, bioelectricity scaling-up potentials from previous work and limitations, then an outlook on MFC feasibility and its wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) energy supply chain. The goal of this paper is to derive a viable approach from prior research in order to comprehend how MFC technology may be scaled-up for commercial and practical power output. Essentially, this article summarizes the current energy predicaments faced by South Africa and proposes MFCs as a new knowledge-contributing technology with electricity scaling-up potential. Conclusively, more research on MFC technique scaling-up operating factors is recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Khaya Pearlman Shabangu & Babatunde Femi Bakare & Joseph Kapuku Bwapwa, 2022. "Microbial Fuel Cells for Electrical Energy: Outlook on Scaling-Up and Application Possibilities towards South African Energy Grid," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-27, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:21:p:14268-:d:960141
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    References listed on IDEAS

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