Development of low-cost block-shape anodes for practical soil microbial fuel cells

Abstract

In this study, an anode electrode made in the shape of a block was proposed to help advance the practical application of soil microbial fuel cells. To lower the cost, rice husks from industrial waste and “Bokuju”, a commonly used ink in Japan, were used as electrode materials. The block-like anode improved the easiness of handling and physical strength of the electrode compared to the commonly used sheet-like anodes. As a result of the improved physical stability of the electrode, stable power generation over the long term was confirmed. It was also found that the anode performance was affected by the ratio of rice husk charcoal to Bokuju in the electrode material.

Keywords

• Soil microbial fuel cell
• Block-like electrode
• Rice husk
• Bokuju