|
CSME 2025/06
Volume 46 No.3
:
233-241
|
|
Enhancing Microbial Fuel Cell Performance by Optimizing Banana Peel Slurry Concentration for Sustainable Energy Production
Chin-Tsan Wang a, Niraj Sumatkar b and K. Vasumathi b
aDepartment of Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Engineering, National I Lan University, I-Lan, Taiwan., Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
bDepartment of Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Engineering, National I Lan University, I-Lan, Taiwan.,Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Virudhunagar, India
|
Abstract:
This study explores using banana peel slurry as a substrate in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to enhance bioelectricity generation and sustainable waste management. Banana peels, a widely available agricultural byproduct, are rich in organic matter, making them an attractive source for bioenergy production. In this research, banana peel extract was utilized as the sole fuel source for MFCs, with E. coli acting as biocatalysts for electron transfer. The substrate concentrations tested were 25 g/L and 50 g/L. The performance of the MFCs was evaluated in terms of power output and COD removal efficiency. The 50 g/L concentration outperformed the 25 g/L concentration, achieving an open circuit voltage (OCV) of 0.82 V compared to 0.68 V. It also recorded a higher maximum power density (0.09 W/m² vs. 0.019 W/m²) and maximum limited current density (0.3 A/m² vs. 0.07 A/m²). Both concentrations showed high COD removal efficiencies, with 91% for 50 g/L and 89% for 25 g/L. These results indicate that higher substrate concentration enhances microbial growth and electron flow, improving overall MFC performance. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that optimizing substrate concentration, mainly using banana peel waste with high reducing sugar content, can significantly enhance the performance of MFCs. These findings highlight the potential of banana peels as a viable and sustainable substrate for bioelectricity generation, contributing to effective waste management and bioenergy.
|
|
Keywords: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), Banana peel slurry, E. coli, Power, Bioenergy, Sustainable waste management.
|
Download PDF
|
|
*Corresponding author; e-mail:
|
©
2025
CSME , ISSN 0257-9731
|