Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs)

A Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. MFCs provide waste remediation and most importantly, electricity generation. How the electrons are harnessed and utilized is what interests the Army. Certain dyes and bacteria are capable of anaerobic respiration by an electron acceptor other than oxygen. Effects of certain mediators [methylene blue and DSSNI (UCSB)] were studied using electrochemical, staining techniques, and inexpensive materials. Knowing the mechanisms by which electron transfer occurs will enable different possibilities with different mediators and materials to surface. While the MFC is fairly intermediary in its methods, we are able to use this system to study the effects that certain materials have on the growth of bacteria.