Improved performance of microbial fuel cells through addition of trehalose lipids [article]

Peng Cheng, Rui Shan, Haoran Yuan, Ge Dong, Lifang Deng, Yong Chen
2018 bioRxiv   pre-print
Electron transfer from microorganisms to the electrode is the key process in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this study, a trehalose lipid was added to a Rhodococcus pyridinivorans-inoculated MFC to improve the power output by enhancing electron transfer. Upon trehalose lipid addition, the current density and maximum power density were increased by 1.83 times and 5.93 times, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry analysis revealed that the addition of trehalose lipid increased the electron transfer
more » ... rformance, while electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results proved a decrease in internal resistance. Microscopy images showed that the trehalose lipid-treated bacteria interacted more closely with various flagellum-like contacts, while in the pure trehalose lipid (200 mg/L), pores were obviously observed in the cell surface.
doi:10.1101/339267 fatcat:rcur52mdyvdofnr3fxaaj2xic4