Effect of concentration boundary layer on anodic compartment performance of microbial fuel cells in continuous flow

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are processes used for simultaneous bioenergy capturing and wastes treating. In this study, a model based upon conduction mechanism for electron transfer is proposed which is mainly intended to investigate the effect of concentration boundary layer in the vicinity of biofilm on MFC performance. The investigation is accomplished by considering a biofilm specific mass transfer coefficient correlation which links the layer mass transfer resistance to hydrodynamic conditions. The model integrates substrate mass balances, current production, conduction and microbial distribution and growth in continuous flow mode. The simulation results reveal the significance of the external mass transfer resistance associated with concentration boundary layer. The hydrodynamic and geometric conditions have direct influence on MFC performance and its dynamic behaviour. Keywords Microbial fuel

Effect of concentration boundary layer on anodic compartment performance of microbial fuel cells in continuous flow Keywords:

Microbial fuel cells , Modeling and simulation , Concentration boundary layer , Continuous flow , External mass transfer resistance