Microbial Fuel Cells

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bioreactors which convert chemical energy in the chemical bonds in organic compounds to electrical energy through catalytic reaction of microorganisms under anaerobic conditions. The history and the operation principle of MFCs are present firstly. Currently, real applications of MFCs are limited because of their low power density. This paper reviews the recent advances in MFCs research with emphases on enhancing the power density in respect of the microbes used in MFCs, the structure of the cell, the proton exchange membrane, the electrode and the electrolyte. Some interesting studies about MFCs are offered, such as plant-MFCs, application of biocathode in MFCs, bio-electrochemical denitrification and treatment of toxic wastewater.