Abstract: 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.

Abstract: This application provides a battery box, which includes: a box body, a first battery group and a sealing member, where the first battery group includes: a first battery row including a plurality of batteries, all explosion-proof valves of the first battery row form a first explosion-proof valve row; a first guide plate, configured to be sealed and disposed above the first explosion-proof valve row, and forming a first path with an upper surface of the first battery row; and a first end plate, provided with a first recess communicating with one end of the first path, and an opening is disposed at a position, corresponding to the first recess, of the box body, where the sealing member is configured to seal the opening and be capable of being damaged to open the opening. The battery box of this application effectively exports heat to the outside.

Abstract: Disclosed are modular microbial fuel cell (MFC) devices, systems and methods for treating wastewater and generating electrical energy through a bioelectrochemical waste-to-energy conversion process. In some aspects, a modular MFC system includes a wastewater pretreatment system to receive and pre-treat raw wastewater for feeding pre-treated wastewater for bioelectrochemical processing; one or more modular MFC devices to bioelectrochemically process the pre-treated wastewater by concurrently generating electrical energy and digesting organic contaminants and particulates in the wastewater to yield treated, cleaner water; and a water collection module to receive the treated water from the one or more modular MFC devices and store the treated water and/or route the treated water from the system.

Abstract: There is provided a biofilm capacitance microbial electrochemical cell (MEC) sensor to measure organic carbon in water and wastewater rapidly and accurately, represented by the 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). The MEC runs at charging (open circuit) and discharging (close circuit) conditions alternately to improve the sensitivity, response time and accuracy. The detectable BOD5 concentrations with the biofilm-capacitance MEC range from 5 to 250 mg/L (R2>0.9). The MEC sensor enables BOD5 measurements at every 2 minutes (1 minute charging and 1 minute discharging), indicating semi-continuous quantification of organic carbon in water and wastewater.

Abstract: Methods, microbial fuel cells and microbial consortia for generating electrical current are provided according to the present invention which include providing a microbial consortium to an anode chamber of a microbial fuel cell, wherein the microbial consortium includes: 1) an engineered methanogen that contains a heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding methyl-coenzyme M reductase derived from an anaerobic methane oxidizer, 2) an exoelectrogen microbe that produces electrically-conductive appendages and/or one or more types of electron carrier, and 3) a sludge, methane-acclimated sludge, a sludge isolate component, a methane-acclimated sludge isolate component chosen from Paracoccus spp., Geotoga spp., Geobacter spp., Methanosarcina spp., Garciella spp., humic acids; or a combination of any two or more thereof.

Abstract: An electrolyte including a mixture of hydroxynaphtoquinone and a precursor material thereof is provided. The electrolyte may achieve higher capacities.

Abstract: A microbial sensor, system and method that can be used to determine the biochemical conditions of waters, saturated sediments, unsaturated soils, rhizosphere and other environments is disclosed. The flexibility of the microbial sensor design allows for the monitoring of surfaces (skin, ventilation conduits, etc.). An electrochemical microbial sensor system is composed of an indicator electrode(s) and a reference electrode. The reference electrode employs a hydrogen permeable membrane. The electrochemical system is interfaced into a signal/communication module allowing the manual or automated collection of data from field deployments and laboratory investigations. The data is transmitted using various communication technologies including Bluetooth™, cellular, satellite and radio telemetry to cloud-based data management systems. The stored data may be downloaded by users using open-source dashboard and visualization software to image the various environments and/or surfaces investigated.

Abstract: Provided is a sewage treatment device and method for synchronously recovering water and electric energy, belonging to the field of sewage treatment.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The microbial fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode, and a microbial community. The anode is made of an activated carbon prepared from waste coffee ground as an electrode material, and the microbial community is adhered to the surface of the activated carbon. Since the activated carbon prepared from waste coffee ground is beneficial for the adhesion of various microbial communities to form a biofilm, the electron transfer efficiency of the microbial fuel cell may be improved.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided according to embodiments of the present invention which includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reaction chamber and an exterior of the reaction chamber; exoelectrogenic bacteria disposed in the interior of the reaction chamber; an aqueous medium having a pH in the range of 3-9, inclusive, the aqueous medium including an organic substrate oxidizable by exoelectrogenic bacteria and the medium disposed in the interior of the reaction chamber. An inventive apparatus further includes an anode at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber; and a brush or mesh cathode including stainless steel, nickel or titanium, the cathode at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A self-power air refresher system includes an air refresher apparatus and a plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC). The air refresher apparatus includes a fan, a filter located on an air-outlet path of the fan, and an energy storage device connected to the fan. The PMFC is disposed on the air-outlet path and includes soil contained in a container, a plant planted in the soil, and a first and second electrodes. The interaction between roots of the plant and microorganisms near the roots generates electrons, and the electrons are transmitted to the energy storage device through the first and second electrodes installed in the soil so as to enable the energy storage device to supply power to the fan. The air that has passed through the filter enters the soil of the PMFC, and is filtered by the plant and then discharged from the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for synchronously recovering metal and elemental sulfur, particularly to a method for synchronously recovering metal and elemental sulfur in sulfide ore tailings, and belongs to the technical field of waste recycling. According to the present disclosure, metal and sulfur element are transferred from a solid phase to a liquid phase in the form of ions respectively by leaching the sulfide ore tailings in an anode chamber, then metal ions are recovered in the form of hydroxide precipitate in a first cathode chamber, and sulfate ions are recovered in the form of elemental sulfur precipitate in a second cathode chamber. The method of the present disclosure can synchronously realize the recovery of metal and elemental sulfur in sulfide ore tailings, such that a metal recovery rate is up to 89.4%, and an elemental sulfur recovery rate is up to 45.

Abstract: A method for preparing graphene balls, the method including, a) preparing a dispersion which includes, a graphene oxide, a reducing agent ranging from a monosaccharide to a polysaccharide, ammonia water and a dispersion medium; and b) spraying and drying the dispersion. According to the preparation method of the present disclosure, it is possible to prepare uniformly sized and spherical graphene balls. Such graphene can be applied to various fields due to excellent physical and chemical characteristics.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell (MFC) in which the anode and/or cathode half-cell comprises at least one additional electrode insulated from direct contact with the working electrode and arranged to be coupled to an external voltage or current source, wherein the additional electrode does not comprise an internal redox system, methods of operation of MFCs and methods for measuring, controlling or modulating MFC circuits are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for growing photosynthetic organisms lacking Photosystem II (PSII) function using externally supplied electrons shuttled into the organism using redox mediators to improve photosynthetic output and to produce and recover chemicals of interest. By removing PSII, all PAR photons are funneled toward Photosystem I, thereby significantly increasing the theoretical photon utilization efficiency for CO2 fixation, energy storage and the capacity to synthesize valuable chemicals. Additional genetic modification can be performed to insert or enhance specific metabolic pathways to generate products of commercial interest.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The United States faces significant environmental burden to treat and transport ˜0.61 billion kg of defective tomatoes (culled tomatoes) every year. The present disclosure provides for the treatment and processing of culled tomatoes in microbial-electrochemical systems, using the microbial fuel cell as a model reactor. The fundamental differences between the long-term oxidative behavior of unprocessed culled tomatoes compared to the three readily soluble substrates (dextrose, acetate, and wastewater) are disclosed. AC electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses indicate the influential impedance contributions of the peel & seed to the cull oxidation. Cyclic voltammetry tests indicate that the indigenous redox-active pigments in the cull influence the faradaic processes involved in the cull oxidation.

Abstract: An electrode includes a proton conducting electrolyte phase, an electronic conducting phase, and a metal or metal alloy catalyst in contact with each of the phases. The electronic conducting phase is infiltrated with the proton conducting electrolyte phase such that the phases form a solid nanocomposite with bulk electronic conductivity.

Abstract: A method for improving power production comprising the steps of providing an existing linear array benthic microbial fuel cell system having an anode and a plurality of cathodes, wherein the anode is an insulated underwater cable buried beneath seafloor sediment, and wherein the plurality of cathodes are configured to be buoyant and to rise above the sea floor, wrapping the insulated underwater cable with carbon fiber bundles and a current collector, wherein the carbon fiber is coated with a binder, securing the carbon fiber bundles and current collector with a web of synthetic fiber, fraying the carbon fiber bundles, creating exposed carbon ends on the cable and removing the binder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for harvesting electricity from a biofilm retained in a zero chamber, no interphase container, the biofilm having a portion supporting aerobic microbial activity and a second portion supporting anaerobic microbial activity, wherein the first and the second portion are in direct physical contact. A ground or a power harvester is electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the second portion of the biofilm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for harvesting electricity from a biofilm retained in a zero chamber, no interphase container, the biofilm having a portion supporting aerobic microbial activity and a second portion supporting anaerobic microbial activity, wherein the first and the second portion are in direct physical contact. A power harvester is electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the second portion of the biofilm.

Abstract: A method for controlling the activity of an electrochemical device (11) comprising a bioanode (3) and a biocathode (6) immersed in an electrolyte (10A, 10C) containing microorganisms, the anode compartment (8) and cathode compartment (9) being separated by at least one membrane (14), optionally a reference electrode, a difference in potential being applied between the bioanode (3) and the biocathode (6), or between the bioanode and the reference electrode, characterised in that the operation of the device is governed by a dual control: —a priority control of the difference in potential between the bioanode and the biocathode, or between the bioanode and the reference electrode, between a minimum limit value allowing the development of an electroactive biofilm at the bioanode and a maximum limit value lower than the oxidation potential of said biofilm, and—a secondary control, when the first control is in place, optimising the Faradaic efficiency of the biocathode.

Abstract: An electrode includes a first diffusion layer (11) having water repellency and functioning to diffuse oxygen, and a second diffusion layer (13) supporting a catalyst layer (30) thereon and functioning to diffuse oxygen. The electrode further includes an electrically conductive layer (12, 15) including a metal material (20, 21) and an oxygen-permeable material, and interposed between the first diffusion layer and the second diffusion layer. A fuel cell (100) and a water treatment equipment each include: an anode (3); an ion transfer layer (4) having proton permeability; and a cathode (1, 2) being the electrode described above, and separated from the anode with the ion transfer layer interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for an in-vivo power generation comprises a fuel convertor for converting glucose in a fluid to a hydrogen rich, low carbon fuel such as ethanol or methanol by the action of a bioenzyme on the glucose in the CSF. The fluid can be any one of cerebrospinal fluid, urine and glucose solution. The apparatus further comprises a biofuel cell comprising a cathode chamber and an anode chamber with a membrane assembly sandwiched between them. The membrane assembly comprises a cathode, an anode and a proton exchange membrane. The cathode is coated with an enzyme laccase, which enables extraction of oxygen when the fluid is passed through the cathode chamber. The oxygen from the cathode chamber and the hydrogen in the hydrogen rich fuel from the anode chamber diffuses through the proton exchange membrane and reacts at an ionic level to result in water and electrical power.

Abstract: Bioelectrochemical systems comprising a microbial fuel cell (MFC) or a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) are provided. Either type of system is capable of fermenting insoluble or soluble biomass, with the MFC capable of using a consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) organism to also hydrolyze an insoluble biomass, and an electricigen to produce electricity. In contrast, the MEC relies on electricity input into the system, a fermentative organism and an electricigen to produce fermentative products such as ethanol and 1,3-propanediol from a polyol biomass (e.g., containing glycerol). Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: An anaerobic electrochemical membrane bioreactor (AnEMBR) can include a vessel into which wastewater can be introduced, an anode electrode in the vessel suitable for supporting electrochemically active microorganisms (EAB, also can be referred to as anode reducing bacteria, exoelectrogens, or electricigens) that oxidize organic compounds in the wastewater, and a cathode membrane electrode in the vessel, which is configured to pass a treated liquid through the membrane while retaining the electrochemically active microorganisms and the hydrogenotrophic methanogens (for example, the key functional microbial communities, including EAB, methanogens and possible synergistic fermenters) in the vessel. The cathode membrane electrode can be suitable for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction to generate hydrogen.

Abstract: The disclosure provides devices and methods to produce electrical energy from microorganisms capable of metabolizing methane.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical cell based on a new chemistry for a flow battery for large scale, e.g., gridscale, electrical energy storage. Electrical energy is stored chemically at an electrochemical electrode by the protonation of small organic molecules called quinones to hydroquinones. The proton is provided by a complementary electrochemical reaction at the other electrode. These reactions are reversed to deliver electrical energy. A flow battery based on this concept can operate as a closed system. The flow battery architecture has scaling advantages over solid electrode batteries for large scale energy storage.

Abstract: A photoelectrosynthetically active heterostructure (PAH) is manufactured by forming or providing cavities in an electrically insulating material; forming or providing an electrically conductive layer on a side of the electrically insulating material; depositing an electrocatalyst cathode layer in the cavities; depositing one or more layers of light-absorbing semiconductor material in the cavities; depositing an electrocatalyst anode layer in the cavities; removing the layer of electrically conductive metal; and forming a hydrogen permeable layer over the electrocatalyst cathode layer. The one or more layers of light-absorbing semiconductor material can form a p-n junction or Schottky junction. The PAH can be used in photoelectrosynthetic processes to produce desired products, such as reduction product (e.g., methane gas, methanol, or carbon monoxide) from carbon dioxide and liquid waste streams.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a reactor for removing organic matters by immobilized-enzymatic electrode coupled electro-coagulation. In the method, in a single electrochemical system, an enzyme-modified electrode is combined with electro-coagulation to synergistically remove organic matters from water. Certain electrochemical parameters are controlled such that a polymerization reaction is performed between hydrogen peroxide generated by a cathode reaction and organic matters catalyzed by the immobilized-enzymatic electrode. After the polymerization reaction, the organic product enters an anode chamber through a pump. The organic product is precipitated and removed by performing a reaction between the organic product and different hydrolysis products from the electro-coagulation through a coagulating/flocculating effect of compression of a double electric layer, adsorption and electric neutralization as well as precipitation capture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the electrochemical measurement of an analyte concentration in vivo, comprising a fuel cell with which the analyte to be measured is reacted catalytically with an enzyme contained in an enzyme layer and which supplies an electrical voltage, dependent on the analyte concentration to be measured, between an anode and a cathode, which voltage is measured. In the catalytic reaction of the analyte to be measured in the enzyme layer, a product is generated which, as fuel of the fuel cell, oxidizes on the anode and is reduced on the cathode. The invention further relates to a fuel cell for such a method.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for generating and storing electric power in which a microbial solar cell is provided in a sealed container with photosynthetic organisms that generate reactants of the microbial fuel cell and the products of the microbial fuel cell from sunlight received through the container.

Abstract: A microbial battery is provided. At the anode, microbial activity provides electrons to an external circuit. The cathode is a solid state composition capable of receiving the electrons from the external circuit and changing from an oxidized cathode composition to a reduced cathode composition. Thus, no external source of oxygen is needed at the cathode, unlike conventional microbial fuel cells. The cathode can be removed from the microbial battery, re-oxidized in a separate oxidation process, and then replaced in the microbial battery. This regeneration of the cathode amounts to recharging the microbial battery.

Abstract: A method for supplying freely available electrons to microorganisms and/or enzymes includes applying a voltage and amperage to electrodes to create a free electron field between the electrodes, thus directly supplying electrons to the microorganisms and/or enzymes to enhance the effectiveness of the microorganisms and/or enzymes. Supplying the microorganisms and/or enzymes with electrons enhance their effectiveness in transforming and/or removing one or more target compounds from the liquid to be treated.

Abstract: The invention provides for a novel type of biofuel; a method for cleaving anchors from photosynthetic organisms; and a method for producing biofuels using photosynthetic organisms, the method comprising identifying photosynthesis co-factors and their anchors in the organisms; modifying the organisms to increase production of the anchors; accumulating biomass of the organisms in growth media; and harvesting the anchors.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The biofuel cell has a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an external circuit electrically connecting the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a positive electrode region where the positive electrode is disposed, a negative electrode region where the negative electrode is disposed, and a proton permeable membrane disposed between the positive electrode region and the negative electrode region, and the negative electrode region houses a biocatalyst together with the crushed material. The negative electrode region is separated by a mesh into an electrode region and a crushed material region, the negative electrode is housed in the electrode region, and the crushed material is housed in the crushed material region.

Abstract: To increase the power generation efficiency of a microbial power generator by using an easy and inexpensive unit. Two plate-like cation-exchange membranes 31 are disposed in parallel in a tank 30. This arrangement allows an anode chamber 32 to be formed between the cation-exchange membranes 31. Two cathode chambers 33 are separated from the anode chamber 32 by using the respective ion-permeable nonconductive membranes 31. An oxygen-containing gas is made to pass through the cathode chamber 33. An anode solution L is supplied to the anode chamber, and, preferably, the anode solution is made to circulate. A biologically treated exhaust gas is used as the oxygen-containing gas to be supplied to the cathode chamber 33. Carbon dioxide in the biologically treated exhaust gas can promote transport of Na+ and K+ ions, and water vapor can increase the ion permeability, thereby increasing the power generation efficiency.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for microbial processes of generating products such as electrical power, hydrogen gas and methane, are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reaction chamber and an exterior of the reaction chamber; an anode at least partially contained within an anode compartment of the reaction chamber; a plurality of exoelectrogenic microorganisms disposed in the anode compartment; a cathode at least partially contained within a cathode compartment of the reaction chamber; a conductive conduit for electrons in electrical communication with the anode and the cathode; and a reverse electrodialysis stack comprising a plurality of plurality of alternating anion selective barriers and cation selective barriers disposed between the anode and the cathode defining one or more saline material compartments and one or more lower-saline material compartments.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for increasing biofilm formation and power output in microbial fuel cells. An anode material in a microbial fuel cell has a three-dimensional and ordered structure. The anode material fills an entire anode compartment, and it is arranged to allow fluid flow within the anode compartment. The power output of microbial fuel cells is enhanced, primarily by increasing the formation and viability of electrogenic biofilms on the anodes of the microbial fuel cells. The anode material in a microbial fuel cell allows for the growth of a microbial biofilm to its natural thickness. In the instance of members of the Geobacteraceae family, the biofilm is able grow to a depth of about 40 microns.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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 m2/m3. In addition, the anode is substantially non-toxic to anodophilic bacteria. Combinations of particular anodes and cathodes are included in microbial fuel cells and modified microbial fuel cells.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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 m2/m3. In addition, the anode is substantially non-toxic to anodophilic bacteria. Combinations of particular anodes and cathodes are included in microbial fuel cells and modified microbial fuel cells.

Abstract: 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.