Electrocatalysis of new strain E. coli and nanostructured anode for high performance microbial fuel cells

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFC), a promising clean energy source, have attracted great research and development interest because of their high energy conversion efficiency, mild operational conditions and low-cost substrates. It is essential to enhance the anode electrocatalysis for high power density and energy density in practical applications. In this PhD thesis project, novel nanostructured anodic materials, genetically engineered and electro-evolved E. coli strains are developed to significantly improve the MFC performance, while investigating direct electrochemistry of E. coli in MFCs for fundamental insights into electron-transfer process between cell and the electrode. This work provides new approaches to boost the MFC performance for its broad practical applications, and contributes fundamental knowledge to the bioelectrocatalysis science.