Applying the electrode potential slope method as a tool to quantitatively evaluate the performance of individual microbial electrolysis cell components

Benjamin P. Cario; Ruggero Rossi; Kyoung Yeol Kim; Bruce E. Logan

doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121418

Applying the electrode potential slope method as a tool to quantitatively evaluate the performance of individual microbial electrolysis cell components

Benjamin P. Cario, Ruggero Rossi, Kyoung Yeol Kim, Bruce E. Logan

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Improving the design of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs)requires better identification of the specific factors that limit performance. The contributions of the electrodes, solution, and membrane to internal resistance were quantified here using the newly-developed electrode potential slope (EPS)method. The largest portion of total internal resistance (120 ± 0 mΩ m²)was associated with the carbon felt anode (71 ± 5 mΩ m², 59% of total), likely due to substrate and ion mass transfer limitations arising from stagnant fluid conditions and placement of the electrode against the anion exchange membrane. The anode resistance was followed by the solution (25 mΩ m²)and cathode (18 ± 2 mΩ m²)resistances, and a negligible membrane resistance. Wide adoption and application of the EPS method will enable direct comparison between the performance of the components of MECs with different solution characteristics, electrode size and spacing, reactor architecture, and operating conditions.

Original language	English (US)
Article number	121418
Journal	Bioresource technology
Volume	287
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121418
State	Published - Sep 2019

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Bioengineering
Environmental Engineering
Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Waste Management and Disposal

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abstract = "Improving the design of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs)requires better identification of the specific factors that limit performance. The contributions of the electrodes, solution, and membrane to internal resistance were quantified here using the newly-developed electrode potential slope (EPS)method. The largest portion of total internal resistance (120 ± 0 mΩ m2)was associated with the carbon felt anode (71 ± 5 mΩ m2, 59% of total), likely due to substrate and ion mass transfer limitations arising from stagnant fluid conditions and placement of the electrode against the anion exchange membrane. The anode resistance was followed by the solution (25 mΩ m2)and cathode (18 ± 2 mΩ m2)resistances, and a negligible membrane resistance. Wide adoption and application of the EPS method will enable direct comparison between the performance of the components of MECs with different solution characteristics, electrode size and spacing, reactor architecture, and operating conditions.",

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Applying the electrode potential slope method as a tool to quantitatively evaluate the performance of individual microbial electrolysis cell components

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