Microbial fuel cell: A state-of-the-art and revolutionizing technology for efficient energy recovery (original) (raw)

The use of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as an alternative energy conversion mechanism for producing bioenergy has attracted immense attention. As a bio-electrochemical hybrid system, MFCs are capable of converting organic wastes into bioelectricity using effective microorganisms through electrochemical reactions. This leads towards significant energy savings, decrease in sludge production and energy conversion. On standalone and hybrid/coupled MFC systems, improvements and developments have been made to increase power production for achieving the final goal, namely commercialization and integration into already-existing wastewater treatment facilities. This review provides a comprehensive overview of a standard MFC system with emphasis on its working principle, major components, their latest modifications and physicochemical parameters vital for an MFC to perform. The recent developments in MFC designs have been discussed, highlighting their potential benefits in current bioprocess scenario and their promising future prospects for sustainable and profitable energy recovery. Despite some challenges in translating MFC into real-world applications, the sensitivity and specificity of microbes suggest that they hold great promise for generating bioelectricity from natural wastes and wastewater in controlled environments. The future of MFC depends on its cost-effectiveness and its ability to continuously generate bioelectricity, which is critical for building a cleaner and more environmentally friendly ecosystem in developing and underdeveloped countries.