In the face of the growing problem of fossil fuel depletion, there
is global interest in developing sustainable and environmentally
friendly forms of energy. One form of alternative energy that may
be viable in addressing this problem is bioenergy [1,2]. In this
context, Microbial fuel cells (MFC) hold great potential as green
and carbon-neutral technology that directly converts biomass into
electricity [3].
MFCs are electrochemical devices that take advantage of the
metabolic processes of microorganisms to directly convert organic
matter into electricity with high efficiencies for long periods of
time [4]. Compared to other bioenergy conversion processes (i.e.
anaerobic digestion, gasification, fermentation), MFCs have the
advantage of reduced amounts of sludge production [5], as well as
cost-effective operation, since they operate under ambient
environmental conditions (temperature, pressure) [6]. Moreover,
MFCs require no energy input for aeration so long as the cathode is
passively aerated, for example via the use of a single-chamber
device [7]. Lastly, MFCs have the ability to generate energy
remotely by using a range of feed stocks, and can thus be used in
areas of poor energy infrastructure. Organic waste used as a feed
stock in particular offers attractive prospects from its costeffectiveness
and abundance.