Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have gained a lot of attention recently as a mode of converting organic matter
into electricity. In this study, a compost-based microbial fuel cell that generates bioelectricity by biodegradation
of organic matter is developed. Grass cuttings, along with leaf mold, rice bran, oil cake (from
mustard plants) and chicken droppings (waste from chickens) were used as organic waste. The electric
properties of the MFC under anaerobic fermentation condition were investigated along with the influence
of different types of membranes, the mixing of fly ash, and different types of electrode materials. It is
observed that the maximum voltage was increased by mixing fly ash. Cellophane showed the highest
value of voltage (around 350 mV). Bamboo charcoal is good for anode material; however carbon fiber
is better for the cathode material in terms of optimization of power generated. This developed MFC is
a simple cell to generate electricity from organic waste.
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