THE ANALYSIS OF ELECTRON TRANSFER MECHANISM WITHIN FUEL CELL SYSTEMS: ELECTROCHEMICAL AND MICROBIAL APPROACHES

Abstract

Fuel cells are recognized for generating energy through electrochemical reactions while being environmentally friendly, as their only waste product is water. However, for these systems to achieve widespread commercial adoption, it's crucial to reduce the costs associated with catalysts used in the core of the system, known as the membrane-electrode assembly. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have gained attention as a promising avenue for alternative energy systems, offering a straightforward design and the ability to treat wastewater during energy production, thus sidestepping the use of fossil fuels. MFCs offer several advantages by employing inorganic molecules instead of traditional catalysts and microorganisms in lieu of enzymes. This study capitalizes on these benefits by utilizing Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, an oxidation bacteria, at the cathode, and a mixed culture of bacteria at the anode within the MFC. This approach leads to improved conductivity and overall system performance. The research delves into the fuel cell system's performance through electrochemical measurements. Furthermore, the study investigates the porphyrin structure of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and unveils the electron transfer mechanism occurring at the cathode.