| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080213631 | Hybrid Power Strip - The present invention is a flexible hybrid biofuel cell power strip for use in low power applications (less than one Watt) such as trickle charging to extend the charge of conventional batteries or to power devices such as microsensors, micropumps and miniaturized medial devices. The power strip anode comprises carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that transfer electrons directly from the active center of an oxidation-reduction (redox) enzyme to a flexible, conductive anode substrate. This allows the building of surface architectures with pore structures customized for specific applications and enzyme substrate-containing media. The cathode comprises a catalytic layer of transition metal nanoparticle catalyst in contact with air or other source of oxygen. The flexibility of the power strip allows it to be shaped into a wide variety of conformations and applications, including attachment to or implantation within living organisms. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080213632 | LIGHT-POWERED MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS - Devices and methods for generating electricity utilizing a light-powered microbial fuel cell that includes a light-admitting reaction chamber containing a biological catalyst, such as a photosynthetic bacteria, in a growth medium, an anode and cathode disposed upon or within the reaction chamber, and a conductive material in electrical communication between the anode and cathode. The anode includes an oxidation catalyst, while the cathode includes a reduction catalyst that is accessible to oxygen gas. Preferably, the devices and methods utilize a single light-admitting chamber within which both cathodic and anodic reactions take place. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080220292 | Microbial Fuel Cells for Oxidation of Electron Donors - The invention relates to an improved microbial fuel cell for treatment of fluid, especially liquid streams containing a substrate or electron donor for micro-organisms which comprises a membrane ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080261083 | Enhanced Electrical Contact to Microbes in Microbial Fuel Cells - A microbial fuel cell ( | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080261084 | FUEL CELLS USED TO SUPPLEMENT POWER SOURCES FOR AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT - A fuel cell may be used to supplement power sources for aircraft equipment. A fuel cell to provide electrical power in an aircraft may include a replaceable fuel source, an information output, and a power output to output power to a line replaceable unit of the aircraft. A method of supplementing electrical power in an aircraft may include providing a fuel cell in the aircraft, the fuel cell comprising a replaceable fuel cartridge and a replaceable by-product cartridge, and supplementing an electrical power system of the aircraft with power generated by the fuel cell by outputting power. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080261085 | Biological Battery or Fuel Cell Utilizing Mitochondria - A battery or fuel cell that includes at least one electrode having a biological component. The biological component may be formed on the cathode and may consist of a material including mitochondria. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080292912 | ELECTRODES AND METHODS FOR MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS - Methods of improving a performance parameter of a microbial fuel cell are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include heating an electrode and exposing the heated electrode to ammonia gas to produce a treated electrode characterized by an increased positive surface charge on the electrode surface. Improved performance parameters include increased maximum power density, increased coulombic efficiency, increased volumetric power density and decreased microbial fuel cell operation time to achieve maximum power density | 11-27-2008 |
| 20090017336 | POWER GENERATION DEVICE UTILIZING LIVING PLANT NUTRIENTS - A power generation device includes a gas producing section for the extraction and utilization of living plant nutrients to produce a hydrogen containing gas and a hydrogen utilizing section coupled to the gas producing section, wherein the hydrogen content of the gas is used to generate electrical energy. The gas producing section includes a housing adapted to be connected to a living plant and placed in communication with a nutrient containing region of the plant, a chamber within the housing containing a bacterium capable of converting the plant nutrients into the hydrogen containing gas, and a pathway adapted to bring the plant nutrients into contact with the bacterium. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090087690 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELL WITH ANION EXCHANGE MEMBRANE AND SOLID OXIDE CATALYST - A microbial fuel cell apparatus and system suitable for use for off-grid rural or remote power applications in developing countries, among others. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090142627 | Biological Power Generator, and Method of Treating Organic Solid Pollutant-Containing Waste, a Method of Treating Organic Polymeric Substance-Containing Wastewater, a Method of Treating Organic Substance-Containing Wastewater, as Well as Apparatuses for Implementing These Treatment Methods - Disclosed are a biological power generator comprising an anaerobic region containing microorganisms capable of growth under anaerobic conditions and an anode having an electron mediator immobilized thereon and having a standard electrode potential (E | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090169924 | Biological fuel cells with nanoporous membranes - A fuel cell comprising an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, and a nanoporous membrane between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, wherein the nanoporous membrane sequesters and isolates a microbe in the anode chamber. The nanoporous membrane allows nutrients to flow actively or passively from the cathode chamber to the anode chamber and can be modified by a thin film composite (TFC) to create a TFC nanofiltration membrane. The nanoporous membrane can have a pore size from about 100 nm to about 1000 nm. A method of making a fuel cell comprising configuring a nanoporous membrane between an anode chamber and a cathode chamber wherein the nanoporous membrane sequesters and isolates a microbe in the anode chamber and can be used to protect the cathode chamber. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090186244 | FUEL CELL AND METHOD FOR DEPLETING CARBON DIOXIDE - The invention concerns a fuel cell comprising an anode chamber, a cathode chamber and a cavity for the electrolytic space, as well as combustion gas supply conduits and carbon dioxide and water discharge conduits for the anode chamber, and, for the cathode chamber, oxygen and carbon dioxide supply conduits and discharge conduits for residual oxygen and residual carbon dioxide. The anode chamber and the cathode chamber receive a metal sponge, the cathode chamber housing a metal or ceramic sponge. Said fuel cell is subdivided into an anode chamber, an outer cathode chamber and a median cathode chamber, separate cavities for electrolytic space located between the anode chamber and the median cathode chamber and the median cathode chamber and the outer cathode chamber. An electrolyte conduit enters the median cathode chamber, the oxygen supply conduits and the oxygen discharge conduits are arranged on the median cathode chamber, and the CO | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090197124 | POWER SUPPLY FOR PLUMBING DEVICE - An example arrangement for providing power includes a microbial fuel cell and a controller for supplying power to a plumbing component. The controller supplies power using power generated by the microbial fuel cell. An example method of powering a plumbing device includes providing wastewater to a microbial fuel cell and generating power with the microbial fuel cell. The method powers a plumbing device using the power generated by the microbial fuel cell. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090269619 | Multifunctional biomaterials as scaffolds for electronic, optical, magnetic, semiconducting, and biotechnological applications - One-dimensional ring structures from M13 viruses were constructed by two genetic modifications encoding binding peptides and synthesis of a heterobifunctional linker molecule. The bifunctional viruses displayed an anti-streptavidin peptide and hexahistidine (SEQ ID NO:4) peptide at opposite ends of the virus as pIII and pIX fusions. Stoichiometric addition of the streptavidin-NiNTA linker molecule led to the reversible formation of virus-based nanorings with circumferences corresponding to lengths of the packageable DNAs. These virus-based ring structures can be further engineered to nucleate inorganic materials and form metallic, magnetic, or semiconductor nanorings using trifunctionalized viruses. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090297890 | Anode for Bioelectric Power Generation And Power Generation Method And Apparatus Utilizing Same - A method and a device for obtaining electric energy efficiently from a hydrous organic substance by suppressing the activation overvoltage of an anode low and thereby obtaining a sufficiently low anode potential. The power generating device comprises an anaerobic region ( | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090305083 | Fuel Cell Bioreactor - The present invention discloses a fuel cell bioreactor, based on the microbial regeneration of the oxidant, ferric ions and on the cathodic reduction of ferric to ferrous ions, coupled with the microbial regeneration of ferric ions by the oxidation of ferrous ions, with fuel (such as hydrogen) oxidation on the anode. The microbial regeneration of ferric ions is achieved by iron-oxidizing microorganisms such as | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090305084 | Microbial Fuel Cell and Method of Use - A microbial fuel cell comprising a cathode module, an anode module, a means for feeding source water to the anode module, and a means for feeling air to the source water after said anode module, wherein the source water is introduced in the anode module and discharged at the cathode module, a membrane is not used to transfer electrons, and the source water does not flow through a layer between the cathode and anode modules, such as glass wool or beads. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090305085 | Microbial Fuel Cell and Method of Use - A microbial fuel cell comprising a cathode module, an anode module, a means for feeding source water to the anode module, and a means for feeling air to the source water after said anode module, wherein the source water is introduced in the anode module and discharged at the cathode module, a membrane is not used to transfer electrons, and the source water does not flow through a layer between the cathode and anode modules, such as glass wool or beads. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090311559 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL POWER GENERATION - Electrochemical power generation systems in which the oxidizable reactant is non-carbon constituents of a fossil fuel are provided. The fossil fuel may be coal, which is contacted with an aqueous electrolyte medium used in the systems. The electrolyte may, in certain aspects, be acid mine drainage. Aspects of the invention include systems and methods for remediation of acid mine drainage, where the systems are configured to raise the pH of acid mine drainage. Aspects of the invention also include regenerating the electrolyte using an external electricity source and recirculating the electrolyte to the system. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090324996 | Microbial Fuel Cell and Method - A microbial fuel cell includes a cell housing having first and second chambers. The first chamber is adapted for containing a fluid including a biomass. The second chamber is adapted for containing an oxygenated fluid. A cathode extends into the cell housing second chamber and an anode segment of an electrode assembly extends into the cell housing first chamber. The electrode assembly has multiple, substantially aligned, fibers. The outer surfaces of the fibers of the anode segment are adapted for receiving a biofilm. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090324997 | POWER GENERATING APPARATUS - This invention relates to a power generating apparatus including two systems. In one of the systems, a hydrogen gas is generated by hydrolysis, and a hydrogen demanding unit generates electric power. In the other system, electric power is generated based on an oxidation-reduction chemical reaction of an electrode and ions. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090324998 | Scalable Microbial Fuel Cell and Method of Manufacture - A microbial fuel cell includes a cell housing having first and second chambers. The first chamber is adapted for containing a fluid including a biomas. The second chamber is adapted for containing an oxygenated fluid. A cathode extends into the cell housing second chamber. An electrode assembly includes a bound segment and an anode segment extending into the cell housing first chamber. The electrode assembly has multiple, substantially aligned, fibers. The outer surfaces of the fibers of the anode segment are adapted for receiving a biofilm. An electrically conductive tubular member envelops the fibers of the bound segment | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100003543 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELL STACK - The present invention discloses a microbial fuel cell stack, which comprises a plurality of microbial fuel cells and is characterized in that the microbial fuel cell includes a perforated frame, a cathode and an anode, and that the cathode wraps the perforated frame to form an anode chamber, and that the anode is arranged inside the anode chamber. Wires are respectively extended from the cathode and the anode. The microbial fuel cells are connected head to tail sequentially via pipes, and thus the anode chambers thereof interconnect each other. The first microbial fuel cell of the cell stack has a feeding port, and the last one has a discharging port. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100021774 | Membrane electrode assembly and biofuel cell using the same - A membrane electrode assembly includes a proton exchange membrane, an anode and a cathode. The proton exchange membrane has two opposite surfaces, a first surface and a second surface. The anode is located adjacent to the first surface of the proton exchange membrane, and the cathode is located adjacent to the second surface of the proton exchange membrane. The anode includes a carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure has a plurality of carbon nanotubes and a catalyst material dispersed on the carbon nanotubes. A biofuel cell using the membrane electrode assembly is also provided. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100035089 | METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY - The present invention discloses a method of generating electricity which uses a new type of biofuel cell. The method is based on the microbial regeneration of the oxidant, ferric ions. The bio-fuel cell is based on the cathodic reduction of ferric to ferrous ions, coupled with the microbial regeneration of ferric ions by the oxidation of ferrous ions, with fuel (such as hydrogen) oxidation on the anode. The microbial regeneration of ferric ions is achieved by chemolithotrophic microorganisms such as | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100040908 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS - A microbial fuel cell includes an anode compartment with an anode and an anode biocatalyst and a cathode compartment with a cathode and a cathode biocatalyst, with a membrane positioned between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment, and an electrical pathway between the anode and the cathode. The anode biocatalyst is capable of catalyzing oxidation of an organic substance, and the cathode biocatalyst is capable of catalyzing reduction of an inorganic substance. The reduced organic substance can form a precipitate, thereby removing the inorganic substance from solution. In some cases, the anode biocatalyst is capable of catalyzing oxidation of an inorganic substance, and the cathode biocatalyst is capable of catalyzing reduction of an organic or inorganic substance. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100040909 | Bio-fuel cell system - The present invention discloses a new type of bio-fuel cell, based on the microbial regeneration of the oxidant, ferric ions. The bio-fuel cell is based on the cathodic reduction of ferric to ferrous ions, coupled with the microbial regeneration of ferric ions by the oxidation of ferrous ions, at a pH less than about 1.0, with fuel (such as hydrogen) oxidation on the anode electrode. The microbial regeneration of ferric ions is achieved by microorganisms such as | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100055506 | Newly Discovered Bacterium in the Family Acetobacteraceae - Provided is an isolated novel Gram-negative bacterium, wherein the bacterium is an aerobic, facultative methylotroph that produces colonies that are yellow pigmented, wherein the bacterium can use methanol as a sole carbon source and can oxidize glucose and ethanol into acid. Also provided are novel purified polypeptides and isolated nucleic acids from the bacterium. Further provided are methods of using the bacterium and the purified polypeptides to degrade organic material and for use in biofuel cells. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100081014 | Microbial Fuel Cell Power Systems - The present invention provides a microbial fuel cell power system based on a microbe-based fuel cell such as a benthic microbial fuel cell (BMFCs). In accordance with the present invention, one or more BMFCs can be connected to one or more batteries such as a nickel metal hybrid (NiMH) or sealed lead acid (SLA) battery and can be used to charge the batteries for long-term persistent underwater use. At any time, some of the connected batteries are being charged by the BMFC, while the others are being used to power a connected device. By using electrically isolated fuel cell converters, the batteries can be charged while in circuit. With non-isolated converters, pairs of batteries can be switched between offline charging and online discharging. The battery system can be controlled by a control system that comprises a microcontroller that periodically measures system voltages and currents, swaps the batteries being charged, and records the system results for post-mission analysis. The batteries can be connected to an underwater monitoring system such as the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) or Shallow-Water Environmental Profiler in Trawl-Safe Real-Time Configuration (SEPTR) systems used by the U.S. Navy and can provide long-term persistent power supplies to such systems. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100092804 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELL WITH IMPROVED ANODE - The present invention relates to a method for preparing a microbial fuel cell, wherein the method includes: (i) inoculating an anodic liquid medium in contact with an anode of the microbial fuel cell with one or more types of microorganisms capable of functioning by an exoelectrogenic mechanism; (ii) establishing a biofilm of the microorganisms on and/or within the anode along with a substantial absence of planktonic forms of the microorganisms by substantial removal of the planktonic microorganisms during forced flow and recirculation conditions of the anodic liquid medium; and (iii) subjecting the microorganisms of the biofilm to a growth stage by incorporating one or more carbon-containing nutritive compounds in the anodic liquid medium during biofilm formation or after biofilm formation on the anode has been established. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100112380 | Electricity Generation in Single-Chamber Granular Activated Carbon Microbial Fuel Cells Treating Wastewater - An apparatus and method for producing electrical power and treating wastewater is provided. The apparatus and method oxidize bacteria and substrates naturally occurring in wastewater in a chamber, generating electrons which run from an anode to a cathode through an associated circuit. As a result of the oxidation reactions, the apparatus and method remove impurities from the wastewater and generate electrical power. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100119879 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR STIMULATING AND MANAGING POWER FROM MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS - Inventive aspects of the present disclosure generally relates to fuel cells and, in particular, to fuel cells that can use microorganisms (microbes) to oxidize fuel. Certain aspects are directed to fuel cells that operate at relatively elevated temperatures. Such temperatures, for example, can increase the metabolisms of the microorganisms within the fuel cell. The elevated temperatures may be achieved, for instance, by using a thermal insulator, such as a vacuum jacket. Microorganism metabolism may also be improved, in some aspects of the invention, by exposing the microorganisms to growth promoters such as fertilizer, nitrogen sources, biomass, etc. The microorganisms, in some embodiments of the invention, may be anaerobic or microaerophilic and can be obtained, for example, from the soil, compost, peat, sewage, bogs, wastewater, or other organic-rich matrices. Another inventive aspect relates to novel electrodes for use in fuel cells, such as microbial fuel cells. The electrode, in some cases, may be flexible and/or porous. In certain embodiments, the electrode may be treated, e.g., with acid and/or biomass, to improve performance. Such treatments may facilitate microorganism metabolism. Yet another inventive aspect relates to a proton exchange interface between an anode and a cathode in a fuel cell, such as a microbial fuel cell. The proton exchange interface may be designed to allow protons and/or gases to pass through, but, in some cases, minimizes or eliminates mixing between the anode and the cathode. Still another inventive aspect generally relates to an energy management system for use with such fuel cells, including microbial fuel cells. Yet another aspect relates to switching systems that allow a plurality of fuel cells (which may be housed in one vessel or separate vessels) to sustain net power output that is greater than the sum of the individual microbial fuel cells under constant load. In some cases, the energy management system can store and manage energy from the fuel cell such that conventional operating voltages may be provided to a variety of loads having various instantaneous and average power requirements. Other inventive aspects relate to techniques for forming such fuel cells and fuel cell components, techniques for using such fuel cells, systems involving such fuel cells, and the like: | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100151278 | Membrane electrode assembly and biofuel cell using the same - A membrane electrode assembly includes a proton exchange membrane, an anode and a cathode. The proton exchange membrane has two opposite surfaces, a first surface and a second surface. The anode is located adjacent to the first surface of the proton exchange membrane, and the cathode is located adjacent to the second surface of the proton exchange membrane. The anode includes a diffusion layer and a catalyst layers. The diffusion layer includes a carbon nanotube structure. A biofuel cell using the membrane electrode assembly is also provided. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100151279 | ELECTRODES AND METHODS FOR MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS - Methods of improving a performance parameter of a microbial fuel cell are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include heating an electrode and exposing the heated electrode to ammonia gas to produce a treated electrode characterized by an increased positive surface charge on the electrode surface. Improved performance parameters include increased maximum power density, increased coulombic efficiency, increased volumetric power density and decreased microbial fuel cell operation time to achieve maximum power density | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100178530 | Microbial Fuel Cell - A novel microbial fuel cell construction for the generation of electrical energy. The microbial fuel cell comprises: (i) an anode electrode, (ii) a cathode chamber, said cathode chamber comprising an in let through which an influent enters the cathode chamber, an outlet through which an effluent depart the cathode chamber, a cathode electrode and an electrolyte permeable membrane, wherein both the anode electrode and the cathode chamber are to be submersed into an anaerobic environment to generate electrical energy. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100190039 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONVERTING LIGHT ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY - The invention relates to a device comprising a reactor, where the reactor comprises an anode compartment and a cathode compartment, and where the anode compartment comprises a) an anodophilic micro-organism capable of oxidizing an electron donor compound, and b) a living plant or part thereof. The invention also relates to a method for converting light energy into electrical energy and/or hydrogen, where a feedstock comprising an electron donor compound is introduced into the device. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100196742 | Electricity Generation Using Phototrophic Microbial Fuel Cells - A sediment-type self-sustained phototrophic microbial fuel cell for generating electricity through the syntrophic interaction between photosynthetic microorganisms and heterotrophic bacteria in algae cultivation ponds used for biodiesel production. The microbial fuel cell is operable to continuously produce electricity without the external input of exogenous organics or nutrients. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100203359 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELL TREATMENT OF ETHANOL FERMENTATION PROCESS WATER - The present invention relates to a method for removing inhibitor compounds from a cellulosic biomass-to-ethanol process which includes a pretreatment step of raw cellulosic biomass material and the production of fermentation process water after production and removal of ethanol from a fermentation step, the method comprising contacting said fermentation process water with an anode of a microbial fuel cell, said anode containing microbes thereon which oxidatively degrade one or more of said inhibitor compounds while producing electrical energy or hydrogen from said oxidative degradation, and wherein said anode is in electrical communication with a cathode, and a porous material (such as a porous or cation-permeable membrane) separates said anode and cathode. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100203360 | Bacteria/transition metal oxides organic-inorganic composite and method for manufacturing the same - The present invention relates to an organic-inorganic composite comprising bacteria and transition metal oxides and a method of manufacturing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an organic-inorganic composite comprising bacteria and transition metal oxides manufactured by attaching cationic transition metal precursor to bacterial surface, wherein the bacteria with high negative charge on its surface is used as a template, refluxing the bacteria and transition metal ions at room temperature in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100203361 | BIOLOGICAL FUEL CELL - A biological fuel cell includes an elongate anode ( | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100227203 | Device Comprising a New Cathode and Method for Generating Electrical Energy with Use Thereof - A first embodiment is disclosed, relating to a device including an anode and a cathode. The anode and cathode are placed in a separate anode and cathode compartment. In at least one embodiment of the device, electron transfer takes place from the cathode to a terminal electron acceptor via a redox mediator. In at least one embodiment, the redox mediator includes the Fe (II)/Fe (III) redox couple. According to a further aspect, of at least one embodiment of the invention, relates to a method for generating electric energy with use of the device according to at least one embodiment of the invention. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100297477 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELL CATHODE ASSEMBLY - Disclosed is a microbial fuel cell cathode assembly comprising a catalyst ( | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100304189 | GEOBACTERACEAE STRAINS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of producing genetically modified strains of electricigenic microbes that are specifically adapted for the production of electrical current in microbial fuel cells, as well as strains produced by such methods and fuel cells using such strains. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides genetically modified strains of | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100330397 | Microbial power generation device - A microbial power generation device includes an anode chamber which maintains a microbe and which is supplied with influent which includes an electron donor, a cathode chamber supplied with an electron acceptor, a nonconductive membrane having a first face and an opposing second face and arranged between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, a first electro-conductive support material having a rough surface which has asperity spreading close to the first face of the nonconductive membrane, and formed by a porous material having approximately the same shape as the interior of the anode chamber, and arranged within the anode chamber, and a second electro-conductive support material having a rough surface which has asperity spreading close to the second face of the nonconductive membrane. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110020671 | INTERNAL-RESISTANCE MEASURING DEVICE FOR RESPONSE-DELAY TYPE FUEL CELL - One object is to provide a measuring device configured to evaluate the power generation characteristics of a response-delay type fuel cell automatically, precisely, and with excellent reproducibility with consideration of the response delay against power load fluctuations, and effectively acclimatize and develop microorganisms that are provided to generate power. A potentio-galvanostat is connected to a microbial fuel cell provided as an exemplary response-delay type fuel cell. Further, an automatic measuring device is connected to the potentio-galvanostat. The automatic measuring device has a program function and measures the internal resistance of the microbial fuel cell at set time. The internal resistance measurement is executed through the automatic measuring device that instructs the potentio-galvanostat to change a current value flowing to the microbial fuel cell and that repeatedly executes the process of measuring and recording a voltage value of the microbial fuel cell and the current value while changing a current control value in stages after the voltage value is stabilized. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110076519 | Systems and Methods for Sustainable Wastewater and Biosolids Treatment - Methods of sustainable wastewater and biosolids treatment using a bioreactor including a microbial fuel cell are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: enriching an anode of the microbial fuel cell in the bioreactor with a substantially soluble electron acceptor; growing the bacteria in the presence of the anode enriched with a substantially soluble electron acceptor; oxidizing a substrate using the bacteria to produce free electrons; channeling the free electrons away from a terminal electron acceptor and to the enriched anode, the enriched anode serving as an electron acceptor; and carrying the free electrons from the enriched anode to a cathode of the microbial fuel cell to generate electricity. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110091745 | APPARATUS FOR ENERGY STORAGE OF MICROBIAL FUEL CELL AND MICROBIAL FUEL CELL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM COMPRISING SAID APPARATUS - The present invention relates to an electric energy storage apparatus having a configuration comprising at least a capacitor and an inductor, wherein the electric energy storage apparatus provides storage of charges generated from microbial fuel cells, and the inductor of the electric energy storage apparatus is capable of converting part of the alternative current power generated by the microbial fuel cell into a direct current power. This direct portion of electric power is a part of the electric power supplied to the energy storage apparatus. The storage of the energy storage apparatus also can be stabilized by the electromagnetically induced feedback mechanism. Therefore, the stabilization of energy storage of the microbial fuel cell can be achieved simultaneously. The present invention also provides a microbial fuel cell energy storage system comprising a microbial fuel cell and the apparatus. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110097605 | YEAST BIOFILM BASED FUEL CELL - A yeast biofilm microbial fuel cell has anode and cathode chambers, each containing an electrolyte medium, separated by a proton conducting membrane. A baker's yeast biofilm is induced to form on the anode under electrical poising. A method of making the MFC includes adding baker's yeast and yeast nutrient fuel source to the anode solution, connecting a resistor across the anode and cathode to enable current flow through the resistor for a selected time for poising the anode and formation of the anodic yeast biofilm, replacing the anode solution with a fresh quantity of yeast-free solution, adding fuel source to the solution, and continuing to run the MFC for a selected time under resistance. The steps of replacing the anode solution, adding fuel source and running the cell under load are repeated until the baker's yeast has formed a suitable anodic biofilm. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110104518 | Advanced Apparatus for Generating Electrical Power from Aquatic Sediment/Water Interfaces - An improved benthic microbial fuel cell for generating energy at the interface of aquatic sediment and seawater includes an anode electrode embedded within the aquatic sediment, a cathode electrode positioned within the seawater and above the aquatic sediment, a rig for maintaining the relative positions of the anode and cathode electrodes, electrical leads extending from the anode and cathode electrodes to a load, wherein the anode electrode comprises a bottlebrush electrode residing within a permeable tube. The apparatus is easier to deploy than previously-described fuel cells, while being lighter, more durable, and generating greater power density. Also disclosed are methods of generating power from such an apparatus. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110123835 | METHANE-POWERED MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS - The present disclosure generally relates to fuel cells and, in particular, to microbial fuel cells. In one aspect, the fuel cell can use microorganisms (microbes) to oxidize fuel, especially methane. For instance, the fuel cell may use one or more types of methanotrophs, such as | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110135966 | NOVEL COW-DUNG BASED MICROBIAL FUEL CELL - A novel cow dung based Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) comprising of graphite electrodes and a proton exchange membrane and that converts chemical energy available in a bio-convertible substrate directly into electricity and achieves this by using the microorganisms in cow dung as a catalyst to convert substrate into electrons. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110135967 | BIO-BATTERY WITH ENHANCED YIELD - A novel cell including first and second chambers containing a solvent and separated by a wall permeable to the solvent and impermeable to hydronium and/or hydroxyl ions; a first electrode in the first chamber; a second electrode in the second chamber; a first redox couple in the first chamber comprising a first oxidizer and a first reducer taking part in first oxidation-reduction reactions resulting in an electron exchange with the first electrode; a second redox couple in the second chamber comprising a second oxidizer and a second reducer taking part in second oxidation-reduction reactions resulting in an electron exchange with the second electrode, the wall being impermeable to the first and second redox couples; and first enzymes or first microorganisms placed in the first or second chamber and promoting a third oxidation-reduction reaction resulting transforming a first substance to a second substance comprising acid or alkaline species. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110171496 | LIGHT-POWERED MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS - Devices and methods for generating electricity utilizing a light-powered microbial fuel cell that includes a light-admitting reaction chamber containing a biological catalyst, such as a photosynthetic bacteria, in a growth medium, an anode and cathode disposed upon or within the reaction chamber, and a conductive material in electrical communication between the anode and cathode. The anode includes an oxidation catalyst, while the cathode includes a reduction catalyst that is accessible to oxygen gas. Preferably, the devices and methods utilize a single light-admitting chamber within which both cathodic and anodic reactions take place. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110183159 | ELECTRICITY GENERATION USING MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS - A microbial fuel cell for generating electricity. The microbial fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode electrically coupled to the anode. The anode is in contact with a first fluid including microorganisms capable of catalyzing the oxidation of ammonium. The anode is in contact with a second fluid including microorganisms capable of catalyzing the reduction of nitrite. The anode and the cathode may be housed in a single compartment, and the cathode may rotate with respect to the anode. The microbial fuel cell can be used to remove ammonium from wastewater, to generate electricity, or both. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110195280 | Banana plant cell - The present invention discloses a banana plant cell, comprising at least one banana plant, at least one first electrode, and at least one second electrode. The banana plant is live and comprises organic acids as an electrolyte. The first electrode and the second electrode are used as an anode and a cathode, respectively. These two electrodes are inserted on the banana plant and are connected to each other. The banana plant cell according to the present invention belongs to a long-acting banana plant herb cell, thereby capable of solving the low efficiency problem of the fruit battery for long-term usage. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110200847 | MICROBIAL POWER GENERATION METHOD AND MICROBIAL POWER GENERATION DEVICE - Power generation efficiency of a microbial power generation device is improved by a simple and inexpensive means. Two plate-shaped cation-exchange membranes | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110229742 | ELECTRODES FOR USE IN BACTERIAL FUEL CELLS AND BACTERIAL ELECTROLYSIS CELLS AND BACTERIAL FUEL CELLS AND BACTERIAL ELECTROLYSIS CELLS EMPLOYING SUCH ELECTRODES - A bacterial fuel cell including a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes in liquid communication with a liquid to be purified, the plurality of anodes and the plurality of cathodes each including a metal electrical conductor arranged to be electrically coupled across a load in an electrical circuit and an electrically conductive coating at least between the metal electrical conductor and the liquid to be purified, the electrically conductive coating being operative to mutually seal the liquid and the electrical conductor from each other. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110236724 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING A BIOLOGICALLY CATALYZED ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTION - A device includes a first electrode compartment, the anode compartment, and a second electrode compartment, the cathode compartment, with a quantity of an anode fluid including an electrochemically oxidizable substrate and optional further compounds in the anode compartment, a quantity of a cathode fluid including an electrochemically reducible substrate and optional further compounds in the cathode compartment, and further an anode at least partially in contact with the anode fluid in the anode compartment and a cathode at least partially in contact with the cathode fluid in the cathode compartment. In at least one embodiment, the anode and cathode are electrically connected and on the surface of the anode and the cathode a catalyst is present for respective catalysis of the electrochemical conversion of the electrochemically oxidizable substrate via an electrochemical oxidation reaction and for catalysis of the electrochemical conversion of the electrochemically reducible substrate via an electrochemical reduction reaction, the catalyst including electrochemically active micro-organisms on at least one of the anode or cathode. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110236725 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELL - It is an object of the present invention to provide a microbial fuel cell capable of increasing a current density without employing a mediator. The microbial fuel cell | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110256427 | METHOD FOR MICROBIALLY GENERATING ELECTRICITY AND MICROBIAL POWER GENERATOR - To increase the power generation efficiency of a microbial power generator by using an easy and inexpensive unit. Two plate-like cation-exchange membranes | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110281139 | Wastewater Treatment Process and Device for Electricity Generation and Desalination Simultaneously - A wastewater treatment process and wastewater treatment device for generating current and desalting simultaneously are provided. The device may comprise an anode compartment, an anion exchange membrane, a middle desalting compartment, a cation exchange membrane and a cathode compartment. Wastewater flows into the anode compartment, and is oxidized under the action of an electricigenic microbe. In the desalting compartment, anions are transferred to the anode compartment through the anion exchange membrane, and cations are transferred to the cathode compartment through the cation exchange membrane, thus achieving a desalting process and forming an internal current. Electrons are transferred to the cathode through an external circuit such that a reduction reaction takes place and a current generation is achieved. The wastewater treatment, the current generation and the desalination are achieved simultaneously in the process. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110300411 | PHOTOELECTROMETHANOGENIC MICROBIAL FUEL CELL FOR CO-GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY AND METHANE FROM CARBON DIOXIDE - A photoelectromethanogenic microbial fuel cell apparatus for processing a carbon dioxide flow into electricity and methane. The apparatus comprises: (a) a photosynthetic microbial fuel half-cell component having an electron-conductive anode and a photosynthetic microbial culture for converting light and water into oxygen, protons and electrons; (b) an electromethanogenic microbial fuel half-cell component having an electron-conductive cathode and a methanogenic microbial culture for converting a flow of carbon dioxide into methane using electrons and protons produced in the photosynthetic microbial fuel half-cell; (c) an electrical coupling interconnecting the two microbial fuel half-cells; and (d) an ionic coupling with an ionic separator interconnecting the two microbial fuel half-cells for selectively transporting ions between the microbial fuel half-cell components. A photobiological integrated carbon capture and recycle technology comprising a photoelectromethanogenic microbial fuel cell apparatus for converting carbon dioxide and water vapour captured from gas streams from a gas-emitting facility, into electricity and methane. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110318610 | PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE - A process for producing hydrogen peroxide comprising the steps of providing a bioelectrochemical system having an anode and a cathode, feeding a feed solution containing organic or inorganic (or both) material to the anode, oxidising the organic or inorganic material at the anode, providing an aqueous stream to the cathode of the bioelectrochemical system, reducing oxygen to hydrogen peroxide at the cathode, and recovering a hydrogen peroxide containing stream from the cathode. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120003504 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELL AND MEMBRANE CASSETTE FOR MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS - [PROBLEMS] To provide a microbial fuel cell whose parts can be replaced without lowering the energy recovery efficiency and a membrane cassette for microbial fuel cells. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A negative electrode ( | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120028079 | Systems and method for bio-electricity production - A system and method for bio-electricity production are provided. The system includes a microorganism fuel cell in which the anode compartment comprises a microorganism cell having displayed thereon an enzyme to oxidize the substrate and generate electrons. Microorganism cells, such as bacteria or yeast, may be transformed to display enzymes such as oxidases, alcohol dehydrigenases and glucoamylases. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120034493 | ELECTRODE DEVICE, GENERATOR DEVICE AND METHOD FOR POWER GENERATION BY MEANS OF MEMBRANE-POTENTIAL SHUNTING - An electrode device ( | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120070696 | Methods and Systems for Enhanced Oxidative and Reductive Remediation - Enhanced contaminant degradation systems via rapid transfer of electrons in an environment or matrix through bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry, electron transfer conduit and conductive materials. Specialized circuitry may be used with respect to the anode, cathode, and transmission line design including floating cathodes, anchored anodes, and the like. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120082867 | Microbial Fuel Cell and Method of Use - A microbial fuel cell comprising a cathode module, an anode module, a means for feeding source water to the anode module, and a means for feeling air to the source water after said anode module, wherein the source water is introduced in the anode module and discharged at the cathode module, a membrane is not used to transfer electrons, and the source water does not flow through a layer between the cathode and anode modules, such as glass wool or beads. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120082868 | Floating Microbial Fuel Cells - A microbial fuel cell (MFC) includes a cation exchange membrane defining an anode chamber, an anode positioned in the anode chamber, and a cathode in contact with an exterior of the cation exchange membrane. A restrictor in contact with the cation exchange membrane defines an opening through which water flows into or out of the anode chamber. The MFC includes bacteria in the anode chamber that oxidize organic compounds in the water while oxygen is reduced at the cathode, such that electricity is generated in the absence of an external power source. In an example, the MFC is coupled to a buoy and provides electricity to an electrically powered device also coupled to the buoy, thereby providing a low-maintenance source of power in remote locations. The electrically powered device may be, for example, a light or a sensor. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120082869 | Microbial Electrolytic Cell - System and methods for efficiently capturing hydrogen gas from a microbial electrolytic cell. Certain aspects of the invention describe microbial electrolytic cells in which the cathode is located above the anode and proximal to a fluid level and a gas headspace in the single-chamber microbial electrolytic cell. In other aspects, the invention relates to improved and high volumetric production rate of hydrogen gas effected by increasing the geometric surface area of the electrodes. Combinations of these aspects also are contemplated. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120225326 | MODULE ELEMENT, IN PARTICULAR FOR A BIOFUEL CELL, AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS - A module of a biofuel cell includes three module elements each having a porous membrane. At least two of the porous membranes are electrically conducting and form the cathode and the anode of the biofuel cell. The third membrane, which is preferably positioned between the two electrically conducting membranes need not be conducting, but defines two emergent cavities within the module. A porous through-channel extends through a silicon support of the module so as to connect one of the emergent cavities to at least one external wall of the silicon support. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120276418 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR IN-SITU TREATMENT OF SEDIMENT SIMULTANEOUS WITH MICROBIAL ELECTRICITY GENERATION - A method for in-situ treatment of sediment simultaneous with microbial electricity generation is provided, comprising steps of constructing a microbial fuel cell, placing the microbial fuel cell in the sediment, forming a cell circuit, and cultivating microorganisms to generate electrical power. The method overcomes shortcomings found in the prior art and uses organics in the sediment as fuels to in-situ treat the sediment with simultaneous electricity generation. A device for implementing the method is also provided, which can be expanded in different directions as needed and is easy to maintain during long-term operation. The device has many advantages including compact structure, easy operation, low cost, high output power density, significant reduction in sediment COD, no influence on water flow, and environment-friendly | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120315506 | MODULE SYSTEM FOR MICROBIAL FUEL CELL - Disclosed is a module system for a microbial fuel cell used in the field of a microbial fuel cell, in which a plurality of unit cells electrically connected to each other in series cannot share an anode part solution. In the module system for the microbial fuel cell, the unit cells are electrically connected to each other in series, so that power is produced in a commercial scale. An anode part is given to each individual cell, so that voltage drop does not occur. The unit cells share an anode part solution together, so that the module system for the microbial fuel cell is simply designed. The module system for the microbial fuel cell is applicable when effectively producing power in the commercial scale. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20130004798 | CRUMPLED PARTICLES, METHODS OF SYNTHESIZING SAME AND APPLICATIONS USING SAME - In one aspect of the present invention, a method of for synthesizing compression- and aggregation-resistant particles includes forming a graphene dispersion solution with micron-sized graphene-based material sheets, nebulizing the graphene dispersion solution to form aerosol droplets, passing the aerosol droplets through a horizontal tube furnace pre-heated at a predetermined temperature by a carrier gas, and drying the aerosol droplets to concentrate and compress the micron-sized graphene-based material sheets into crumpled particles of sub-micron scale. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130011696 | Microbial Fuel Cell Process which Maximizes the Reduction of Biodegradable Materials Contained in a Fluid Stream - A process comprising A) providing a microbial fuel cell comprising art anode, a cathode, microbes in contact with the anode, a conduit for electrons connecting the anode to the cathode, wherein the conduit is contained within the microbial fuel cell or current is introduced to the microbial fuel cell through the conduit; B) contacting the fluid containing biodegradable material with the anode in the presence of microbes; C) contacting the cathode with an oxygen containing gas; D) removing the fluid from the location of the anode. In one preferred embodiment the conduit for electrons is connected to a source of current, in another embodiment the fuel cell, is operated under conditions such that the voltage of the current applied to the fuel cell is from greater than 0 and about 0.2 volts. Preferably the microbial fuel cell produces from greater than 0 kWh/fcg chemical oxygen demand to about 5 kWh/kg chemical oxygen demand. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130011697 | HIGH EFFICIENCY MICROBIAL FUEL CELL - A microbial fuel cell comprising an anode, a cathode, microbes in contact with the anode, a conduit for electrons connecting the anode to the cathode through an external circuit wherein the anode, cathode or both comprise a mixture of one or more conductive materials and one or more ion exchange materials. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130017414 | OSMOTIC BIOELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS - A bioelectrochemical system includes an anode, a saline solution chamber, and a cathode. The anode is at least partially positioned within an anode chamber containing an aqueous reaction mixture including one or more organic compounds and one or more bacteria for oxidizing the organic compounds. The saline solution chamber contains a draw solution and is separated from the anode chamber by a forward osmosis membrane. Water diffuses across the forward osmosis membrane from the aqueous reaction mixture to the draw solution. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130017415 | INTEGRATED PHOTO-BIOELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS - A bioelectricalchemical system includes an anode, an algal bioreactor, and a cathode. The anode is at least partially positioned within an anode chamber containing a first aqueous reaction mixture including one or more organic compounds and one or more bacteria for oxidizing the organic compounds. The algal bioreactor contains a second aqueous reaction mixture including one or more nutrients and one or more algae for substantially removing the nutrients from the second aqueous reaction mixture. The cathode is at least partially positioned within the algal bioreactor. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130017416 | Membrane Stack For A Membrane Based Process And Method For Producing A Membrane ThereforAANM Goeting; Christiaan HaldirAACI AmsterdamAACO NLAAGP Goeting; Christiaan Haldir Amsterdam NLAANM Valk; JanAACI CornjumAACO NLAAGP Valk; Jan Cornjum NL - The present invention relates to a membrane stack and device for a membrane based process and method therefore. The membrane stack comprises: a number of membranes ( | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130059169 | HIGH EFFICIENCY MICROBIAL FUEL CELL - The present invention is directed to a microbial fuel cell comprising: A) an anode containing one or more conductive materials which is arranged to provide flow paths for electrons through the conductive material and to form flow paths for fluid material through passages formed in the conductive material, B) electrogenic microbes in electrical contact with the anode. C) biodegradable material disposed in a fluid, D) a cathode containing one or more conductive materials adapted such that the cathode can be contacted with an oxygen containing gas, E) an anion exchange membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; and, F) a conduit for electrons which forms a circuit in contact with both the anode and the cathode. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130230744 | ELECTRODE FOR MICROBIAL FUEL CELL AND MICROBIAL FUEL CELL USING THE SAME - Provided is an electrode for a microbial fuel cell, which is capable of generating high-power electric current in the microbial fuel cell and the microbial fuel cell using the electrode. Specifically, the invention relates to an electrode (as an anode of a microbial fuel cell) for a microbial fuel cell which contains a carbon-containing electrode base and carbon nanowires formed across the whole or a part of the surface of the electrode base is provided. Consequently, the electrode surface area is significantly increased and the affinity between an electron conductive microorganism and the electrode is increased. The efficiency of charge transfer from the microorganism to the electrode can thus be dramatically increased. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130323535 | BIOGENERATOR CONSTRUCTED USING LIVE CELL CULTURES - An apparatus (or a biogenerator) is disclosed which utilizes the electrochemical polarization of epithelial cells to generate electricity. The apparatus employs living cells to convert chemical energy into electricity. The biogenerator is capable of supplying electricity to other devices continuously for extended periods of time. Because the apparatus may be made sufficiently small for implantation into the body of an animal or a human, such an apparatus is particularly useful for powering devices that require implantation into the host body. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20140030555 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELL, AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A microbial fuel cell is provided that includes a cell housing, a membrane dividing an internal chamber of the cell housing into an anode compartment and a cathode compartment, an anode including a graphite and first microorganisms contained in the anode compartment, a cathode including graphite and a second microorganisms contained in the cathode compartment, and a watercourse communicating the anode compartment and the cathode compartment with one another. A system including at least one microbial fuel cell and methods of operating the microbial fuel cell and system are also provided. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140050943 | Multi-Electrode Microbial Fuel Cells and Fuel Cell Systems and Bioreactors with Dynamically Configurable Fluidics - Microbial fuel cells including multiple electrodes, and systems of such fuel cells, are provided. An exemplary fuel cell includes a population of exoelectrogenic microbes and at least two anodes in an anode chamber, and a cathode in a cathode chamber. A path exists between the chambers for conducting hydrogen ions and each anode is connected to the cathode by a separate external circuit. Electrical output from the fuel cell is maximized by optimizing the microbe population, achieved by dynamically controlling the sub-populations at each of the multiple anodes. Systems comprising multiple such fuel cells connected by a dynamically reconfigurable fluidics system provide further optimization. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140057136 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELL - The present invention provides an arrangement of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in which the MFCs are in discontinuous flow communication, methods of operating such an arrangement, methods of hydrogen production and electrical production using such an arrangement, a digester for use in the arrangement and methods of increasing power output from the arrangement. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140087213 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELL COMPRISING A MICROPROBE ARRAY - Provided is a microbial fuel cell (MFC). The MFC includes a microfluidic element having an inlet portion and an outlet portion for intake and discharge of a culture fluid containing cells and a microchannel portion for capturing the cells and interconnecting the inlet portion and the outlet portion, a microprobe-array element having microprobes as anodes for extracting electrons produced during a metabolic process of the cells, and delivering the extracted electrons to an external circuit outside the cells, and a cathode for delivering the electrons used in the external circuit to an electron acceptor outside the cells. The microprobes penetrate the microfluidic element and are inserted into a plurality of single cells captured by the microchannel portion when the microfluidic element and the microprobe-array element are coupled together. The microprobes are separated from the single cells when the microfluidic element and the microprobe-array element are separated from each other. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140141286 | PLEATED CATHODE ELECTRODE: HIGH SURFACE AREA, LIGHT-WEIGHT, MODIFIED PACKED-BED ELECTRODE FOR OXYGEN REDUCTION - Featured herein are oxygen reduction electrodes configured in an electrochemical system, such as a microbial fuel cell, comprising a cathode configured as a pleated sheet and an anode comprised of a conductive material. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140255729 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELL HAVING ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE FOAM ELECTRODE - A microbial fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode in at least one compartment. A wastewater inlet provides a wastewater flow to the anode and an electron receptor inlet provides oxygen or other electron-acceptor to the cathode. Pollutant-degrading microorganisms are in contact with the anode. A conduit electrically connects the anode to the cathode through an external circuit. At least the anode includes a polymeric foam substrate providing flow-through having electrically conductive material interspersed within, or electrically conductive material is attached to the polymeric foam substrate by a binder or by chemical bonds. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140255730 | SCALABLE MICRO POWER CELLS WITH NO-GAP ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN ELECTRON AND PROTON TRANSFER ELEMENTS - Energy is probably one of the most important issues of the current century. New sources, approaches and systems have been studied in order to find suitable and more reliable power sources and energy harvesting devices. In addition, mobile Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) devices require micro power sources as well. So far, there has been vast research and investment on solar sources, fuel cells, etc. The present application is an attempt to develop a suitable fabrication method to realize a Photosynthetic Power Cell (μPSO) to harvest the energy from photosynthesis and produce electrical energy. The proposed μPSO is a micro power generation device made from polymer material for generating power from algal photosynthesis. In particular, the present application presents a fabrication process for realising a μPSO from polymer material. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140287272 | ELECTROLYTE-MEMBRANELESS MICROBIAL FUEL CELL, IN-SERIES STACK THEREOF, AND IN-PARALLEL COMBINATION THEREOF - Disclosed herein are an electrolyte-membraneless microbial fuel cell, in-series stack thereof, and in-parallel combination thereof. According to various implementation examples, problems relating to scaling up and modularization are overcome, and problems relating to using an electrolyte membrane are solved. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140315046 | MICROBIAL POWER GENERATION DEVICE, ELECTRODE FOR MICROBIAL POWER GENERATION DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME - Provided are a microbial power generation device, an electrode for the microbial power generation device, preparing methods of the same, an electric power producing method using microbes and a selective culture method of the microbes used for the electric power producing method capable of improving electric power production capacity and of suppressing power generation cost. In a microbial power generation device ( | 10-23-2014 |
| 20150030888 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS WITH IMPROVED CATHODES - Methods and systems for microbial fuel cells with unproved cathodes are provided, in accordance with some embodiments, methods for microbial fuel cells with improved cathodes are provided. The methods comprising: abiotically reducing oxygen on a cathode having a catalyst layer bound to a gas diffusion layer using an anion conductive polymer, consequently accumulating Off at the catalyst layer, and reducing local pH by conducting the OH″ away from the catalyst layer, directly or by transport of anionic buffers that act as OH″ carriers, through the anion conductive polymer, in accordance with some embodiments, a system for microbial fuel cells is provided. The system comprising: a container, an anode, anode-respiring bacteria, and a cathode having a catalyst layer bound to a gas diffusion layer using an anion conductive polymer. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150064501 | MODULAR BIOELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) having configurations with spiral wound structures and with frame-and-plate structures are provided. Systems may allow for production of an electrical current that is at least partially generated by microorganisms connected directly or indirectly to an electrode. A spiral wound or frame-and-plate type bioelectrochemical system that may be used for energy or chemical production, and/or desalination may include an anolyte influent point, a catholyte influent point, electrodes, ion selective membranes, mesh separators, gas collection devices, an exterior containment vessel, and one or more external electrical devices. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150093601 | ELECTRODES FOR USE IN BACTERIAL FUEL CELLS AND BACTERIAL ELECTROLYSIS CELLS AND BACTERIAL FUEL CELLS AND BACTERIAL ELECTROLYSIS CELLS EMPLOYING SUCH ELECTRODES - A bacterial fuel cell including a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes in liquid communication with a liquid to be purified, the plurality of anodes and the plurality of cathodes each including a metal electrical conductor arranged to be electrically coupled across a load in an electrical circuit and an electrically conductive coating at least between the metal electrical conductor and the liquid to be purified, the electrically conductive coating being operative to mutually seal the liquid and the electrical conductor from each other. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150104670 | MATERIALS AND CONFIGURATIONS FOR SCALABLE MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS - Devices for production of electricity and/or hydrogen gas are provided by the present invention. In particular, microbial fuel cells for production of electricity and modified microbial fuel cells for production of hydrogen are detailed. A tube cathode is provided which includes a membrane forming a general tube shape. An anode is provided which has a specific surface area greater than 100 m | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150111067 | Biological Fuel Cell and Methods - A fuel cell has an anode and a cathode with anode enzyme disposed on the anode and cathode enzyme is disposed on the cathode. The anode is configured and arranged to electrooxidize an anode reductant in the presence of the anode enzyme. Likewise, the cathode is configured and arranged to electroreduce a cathode oxidant in the presence of the cathode enzyme. In addition, anode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the anode to transduce a current between the anode and the anode enzyme and cathode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the cathode to transduce a current between the cathode and the cathode enzyme. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150147593 | Electrodes for Cost-Effective Bio-Electrochemical Systems - An electrode for use in bio-electrochemical systems is described, including: a substantially planar electrode material; a frame comprising a non-conductive substance; and one or more first conductive substances linked or secured to the frame. Bio-electrochemical systems, racks for inserting the electrode, and methods of using the racks are also described. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150349350 | MICROBIAL FUEL CELL AND METHODS OF USE - Disclosed herein are embodiments of a microbial fuel cell capable of generating energy from an organic-based fuel. The microbial fuel cell comprises an anode component, a cathode component, and a separator component selected to reduce spacing between the anode and the cathode thereby improving performance of the microbial fuel cell. Also disclosed herein is a cathode component comprising particular components that improve the lifetime, performance, and production of the cathode component at reduced cost. Further disclosed are embodiments of a method of using the disclosed microbial fuel cell. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150364783 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GENERATING ELECTRICITY FROM THE SALINIZATION OF FRESHWATER - A system and method of generating electricity from the salinization of freshwater is provided. In one embodiment, the diffusion of cations and anions from saline to freshwater is rapidly alternated in order to generate electrical power in the form of alternating current. To create pathways for the rapidly alternating diffusion of cations and anions, rhodopsins (light-activated ion channels and pumps) are expressed in bacteria that are growing as a biofilm on a membrane that separates the saline and freshwater. Illumination of the biofilm with blue light permits cation diffusion through cation-permeable channelrhodopsins. Illumination of the biofilm with yellow light permits diffusion of anions through halorhodopsins. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20160020669 | CLOSED LOOP DATA CENTER AND ORGANIC LIFE ECOSYSTEM - Processing units and electrical power generation are integrated with a botanical environment to form a closed loop system whereby the outputs of one component serve as the inputs of another. Additionally, humans can be added to the system while maintaining the closed loop nature. Heat generated by the electrical power generation and processing units aids in the growth of botanicals and in the conversion of waste organic materials into both fertilizer and fuel for the electrical power generation. Additionally, carbon dioxide output by the electrical power generation is consumed by the botanicals, which, in turn, output oxygen consumed by the electrical power generation. Water is obtained by passing the exhaust of the electrical power generation across condenser coils, and is utilized for adiabatic cooling, as well as a heat transfer medium. Water is also consumed by the botanicals, aiding their growth. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160028101 | Complete Oxidation of Sugars to Electricity by Using Cell-Free Synthetic Enzymatic Pathways - The present invention is in the field of bioelectricity. The present invention provides energy generating systems, methods, and devices that are capable of converting chemical energy stored in sugars into useful electricity. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160036083 | ELECTROACTIVE CULTURES AND APPARATUSES THEREFOR - Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for generating electricity from an effluent source. In the presence of electrogenic bacteria and substrate electrodes, an electroactive biofilm is produced which possesses bioconductive capacity for efficiently producing an electric current while treating an effluent source such as, e.g., wastewater. This disclosure relates generally to the production of electricity from a biological source. In particular, this disclosure relates to microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and other bioelectrochemical systems (BES) that exploit an exogenous fuel source. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160064758 | Microbial Fuel Cell for Generating Electricity, and Process for Producing Feedstock Chemicals Therefor - A method of preparing feedstock chemical for use in a microbial fuel cell comprises admixing a sodium lignosulfate solution with a catalyst to form a chemical slurry, irradiating the slurry with ultraviolet electromagnetic energy to effect photocatalytic degradation of the sodium lignosulfate lower weight molecular compounds selected from the group consisting of methanol, formic acid, acetic acid C-2 alcohols and C-4 alcohols as part of a photocatalyzed mixture, and separating said catalyst from said photocatalyzed mixture to form a feedstock concentrate. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160111737 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM MODULE - A fuel cell system ( | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160111747 | Self-biased and Sustainable Microbial Electrohydrogenesis Device - A hybrid photoelectrochemical and microbial fuel cell device is provided that includes a single-chamber photoelectrochemical device having an n-type TiO | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160137536 | BIOELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEM HAVING POLYVALENT ION REMOVING FUNCTION - The present invention provides a bioelectrochemical system for removing a polyvalent ion present in seawater etc., capable of producing electricity. The bioelectrochemical system according to the present invention comprises: an anode chamber comprising an anode which accommodates an electron produced when treating an organic material in wastewater with a microorganism; a cathode chamber comprising a cathode receiving the electron from the anode, for producing a hydroxide ion by reacting the electron with oxygen and water provided from the outside, and depositing the polyvalent ion inside an electrolyte by using the hydroxide ion; and an anion exchange membrane for blocking the polyvalent ion inside the electrolyte from moving to the anode chamber. Also, the present invention provides the bioelectrochemical system capable of removing the polyvalent ion present in seawater etc., and simultaneously producing hydrogen. The present invention comprises: the anode chamber, provided with the anode to which electrochemically active bacteria are attached, for producing the electron by having organic wastewater, as a substrate, injected thereto; the cathode chamber, provided with the cathode, for removing the polyvalent ion and simultaneously producing a hydrogen gas by having seawater, as an electrolyte, injected thereto; the anion exchange membrane for separating the anode chamber and the cathode chamber and preventing the polyvalent cation in seawater from moving to the anode chamber; and a power source connected between the anode and the cathode. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160190547 | ELECTRODE SUBSTRATE MADE OF CARBON FIBERS AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE ELECTRODE SUBSTRATE - A porous electrode substrate has a form of a tape material and contains a structure made of carbon fibers and a carbon matrix. A specific surface area, porosity, and pore distribution are determined by the carbon matrix. The carbon matrix contains carbon particles including activated carbon with a high specific surface area and a carbonized or graphitized residue of a carbonizable or graphitizable binder. | 06-30-2016 |
