Abstract: A device for mixing and aerating a body of water, the device includes a microbial fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode; an electricity management subsystem electrically connecting the anode and the cathode; and a mixing subsystem electrically connected to the electricity management subsystem. The device can be used to mix or aerate a body of water containing organic material while simultaneously reducing the requirements for aeration. The body of water may provide organic material to the microbial fuel cell to produce electricity to power the mixing subsystem.

Abstract: 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 (1), microbes (reducing microbes) that reduce graphene oxide are enriched among microbes inhabiting wastewater, slurry, activated sludge and the like. Therefore, the graphene oxide is reduced by the reducing microbes, so the graphene is produced. Electrons produced by the microbes can be transmitted to a negative electrode (14) via the produced graphene. As a result, the electric power production capacity can be improved and the power generation can be performed at a low cost.

Abstract: 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 1 includes a 3-dimensionally structured agglomerate formed from conductive fine particles 2 and microorganisms 3. In the agglomerate 4, the conductive fine particles 2 disperse among pieces of Shewanella 3 and the conductive fine particles 2 are coupled to one another to hold Shewanella 3, thus forming the 3-dimensional structure as a whole. Accordingly, with respect to Shewanella 3, conductive fine particles 2 hold Shewanella 3a on a surface of an electrode 103 and even Shewanella 3b positioned vertically away from the surface of the electrode 103. Hence, it becomes possible that more pieces of Shewanella 3 are allowed to transfer electrons.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microbial fuel cell cathode assembly comprising a catalyst (6) and an electrically conductive catholyte wicking member (5) having a catalyst contacting surface (5a) in contact with the catalyst, an electrical contact region (5c) for contacting an electrical connector, and a catholyte supply region (5b) for receiving catholyte from a catholyte supply (9), wherein the electrically conductive catholyte wicking member is operable to wick received catholyte from the catholyte supply region to form a film of catholyte on a part of the surface of the catalyst such that a part of the surface of the catalyst is in contact with both the film of catholyte and a part of the surface of the catalyst is in contact with a gas pathway arranged to supply oxygen to the catalyst.

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: 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.

Abstract: 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 (?PSO) to harvest the energy from photosynthesis and produce electrical energy. The proposed ?PSO 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 ?PSO from polymer material.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An exemplary battery is provided in the present invention. The battery includes a current collector, a positive-electrode structure, a separation structure, a negative-electrode structure and a housing. The positive-electrode structure, the separation structure, the negative-electrode structure are encircled in sequence inside of the housing. At least one of the negative-electrode structure and the positive-electrode structure comprises chlorophyll. The battery of the present invention could store hydrogen by the chlorophyll of the positive-electrode structure and/or the negative-electrode structure to generate electricity.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell includes an anode portion having an anode and a cathode portion having a cathode. The anode is configured to support an electrically conductive biofilm matrix. A cation exchange membrane is positioned between the anode and the cathode. The anode portion and the cation exchange membrane define an anode chamber having a volume of between about 1 ?L and about 100 ?L and configured to receive an anolyte. The cathode portion and the cation exchange membrane define a cathode chamber having a volume of between about 1 ?L and about 100 ?L and configured to receive a catholyte. The microbial fuel cell is configured to achieve a Coulombic efficiency of at least 30% and/or a power density of at least of 4.7 ?W/cm2. The microbial fuel cell is a microelectromechanical system and can be fabricated in an automated production process.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An exemplary battery is provided in the present invention. The battery comprises a carbon rod, a positive-electrode structure, a separation structure, a negative-electrode structure and a housing. The positive-electrode structure, the separation structure, the negative-electrode structure and the housing encircle the carbon rod in sequence. At least one of the positive-electrode structure and the negative-electrode structure contains chlorophyll. The battery of the present invention stores hydrogen by the chlorophyll to generate electricity. Thus, not only is the manufacturing process of the battery simple, and economical, but also natural, non-toxic substances are employed, unlike the conventional batteries, the battery of the present invention will not cause environmental pollution even when discarding after being used.

Abstract: A cathode for a fuel cell comprising a catalyst layer; a backing layer mounted to an aperture in a fuel chamber of said fuel cell; 1) wherein said catalyst layer is mounted to the backing layer on a face opposed to the aperture, so as to be in fluid communication with atmospheric oxygen in the case of microbial fuel cell; and 2) wherein said catalyst layer is mounted to the backing layer on a face opposed to the aperture, so as to be in fluid communication with water in the case of microbial electrolysis cell.

Abstract: An anode/cathode system is disclosed for use in a Benthic microbial fuel cell. Carbon cloth forms at least a portion of the anode and is disposed on one side of a water oxygen impermeable layer, which can be weighted around a periphery thereof to hold the anode against a water-sediment interface. Carbon cloth flaps or strands can be attached to the other side of the impermeable layer to form the cathode. The anode and cathode can be divided into sections with each section having an electrical lead coupled thereto. The system is deployed onto the seafloor with the anode side in contact with the water-sediment interface.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A bioelectric battery may be used to power implantable devices. The bioelectric battery may have an anode electrode and a cathode electrode separated by an insulating member comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said anode is inserted into said first end of said tube and said cathode surrounds said tube such that the tube provides a support for the cathode electrode. The bioelectric battery may also have a membrane surrounding the cathode to reduce tissue encapsulation. Alternatively, an anode electrode, a cathode electrode surrounding the cathode electrode, a permeable membrane surrounding the cathode electrode. An electrolyte is disposed within the permeable membrane and a mesh surrounds the permeable membrane. In an alternative embodiment, a pacemaker housing acts as a cathode electrode for a bioelectric battery and an anode electrode is attached to the housing with an insulative adhesive.

Abstract: 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 (NaBH4), and inducing reduction/spontaneous oxidation, thereby having an excellent high capacity electrochemical properties, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: As a technique for increasing the output of a microbial fuel cell, a microbial fuel cell including a polyol such as glycerol as a fuel and using a microbe in which an enzyme that catalyzes a redox reaction has been introduced by genetic recombination on the side of a negative electrode is provided. By this microbial fuel cell, the velocity of the reaction can be increased to thereby give a high output by retaining a microbe in which an enzyme that catalyzes a redox reaction such as diaphorase has been introduced by genetic recombination on the side of the negative electrode.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for cleansing fuel processing effluent containing carbonaceous compounds and inorganic salts, the method comprising contacting the fuel processing effluent with an anode of a microbial fuel ell, the anode containing microbes thereon which oxidatively degrade one or more of the carbonaceous compounds while producing electrical energy from the oxidative degradation, and directing the produced electrical energy to drive an electrosorption mechanism that operates to reduce the concentration of one or more inorganic salts in the fuel processing effluent, wherein the anode is in electrical communication with a cathode of the microbial fuel cell. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for practicing the method.

Abstract: A bioelectric battery may be used to power implantable devices. The bioelectric battery may have an anode electrode and a cathode electrode separated by an insulating member comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said anode is inserted into said first end of said tube and said cathode surrounds said tube such that the tube provides a support for the cathode electrode. The bioelectric battery may also have a membrane surrounding the cathode to reduce tissue encapsulation. Alternatively, an anode electrode, a cathode electrode surrounding the cathode electrode, a permeable membrane surrounding the cathode electrode. An electrolyte is disposed within the permeable membrane and a mesh surrounds the permeable membrane. In an alternative embodiment, a pacemaker housing acts as a cathode electrode for a bioelectric battery and an anode electrode is attached to the housing with an insulative adhesive.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Transgenic microbes with an altered electrogenic efficacy, biofilms comprising such microbes, and microbial fuel cells comprising such microbes are provided. The microbial fuel cells can be operated as monitors, filtration devices, and sensors.

Abstract: 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 Leptospirillum. Electrical generation is coupled with the consumption of carbon dioxide from atmosphere and its transformation into microbial cells, which can be used as a single-cell protein.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprising an anode electrode, a cathode electrode and a reference electrode electronically connected to each other; a first biocatalyst comprising a consolidated bioprocessing organism (e.g., a cellulomonad or clostridium or related strains, such as Cellulomonas uda (C. uda), C. lentocellum, A. cellolulyticus, C. cellobioparum, alcohol-tolerant C. cellobioparum, alcohol-tolerant C. uda, Clostridium cellobioparum (C. cellobioparum) and combinations thereof) capable of fermenting biomass (e.g., cellulosic biomass or glycerin-containing biomass) to produce a fermentation byproduct; and a second biocatalyst comprising an electricigen (e.g., Geobacter sulfurreducens) capable of transferring substantially all the electrons in the fermentation byproduct (e.g., hydrogen, one or more organic acids, or a combination thereof) to the anode electrode to produce electricity is disclosed. Systems and methods related thereto are also disclosing a consolidated bioprocessing organism.

Abstract: A high throughput biological screening assay comprising at least two anodes, at least two cathodes acting as the reference electrode, and a polymer membrane placed between each anode and cathode, wherein the at least two anodes comprise a biological culture, and wherein the at least two cathodes comprise an oxidizing agent and a buffering agent. The high throughput biological screening assay wherein the at least two cathodes are connected in parallel to simulate the connection between the same cathode and different anodes. The high throughput biological screening assay further including an external resistor or open circuit and means for measuring the voltage across the external resistor or open circuit. A method of measuring power generation using a single cathode as a reference electrode to monitor the biological production of energy. A method of correlating bacterial biofilm formation within an operational microbial fuel cell directly to current output.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Power generation efficiency of a microbial power generation device is improved by a simple and inexpensive means. Two plate-shaped cation-exchange membranes 31 are disposed parallel to each other in a tank body 30, whereby a negative electrode chamber 32 is formed between the cation-exchange membranes 31. Two positive electrode chambers 33 are each formed so as to be separated from the negative electrode chamber 32 by the corresponding cation-exchange membrane 31. An oxygen-containing gas is passed through the positive electrode chamber 33, a negative electrode solution L is supplied to the negative electrode chamber, and preferably the negative electrode solution is circulated. An acid gas (carbon dioxide gas) is introduced into the oxygen-containing gas to be supplied to the positive electrode chamber 33. Movement of Na+ and K+ ions is promoted by the pH neutralization effect produced by the acid gas, and thereby power generation efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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 (78) forming compartments; and fluid supply and discharge means (80) for supplying and discharging a fluid to the compartments such that the fluid is supplied and discharged substantially in the plane of the membrane of the membrane stack. Preferably, the fluid supply and discharge means are provided on opposite sides of the membrane stack. Further, the invention relates to a method of forming the membranes (78).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides molecules useful for enhancing charge transport across membranes, such as electron transport across membranes, and methods of using such molecules, for example in improving the performance of a microbial fuel cell or in staining microbes for observation. The amphiphilic molecule comprises a conjugated core with hydrophilic groups on either end. The amphiphilic molecule inserts into the membrane of a microbe and facilitates charge transfer across the membrane of the microbe.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell is provided according to embodiments of the present invention including electricigenic microbes containing at least about 0.075 milligrams of protein per square centimeter of the anode surface area. In particular embodiments, the electricigenic microbes are disposed on the anode such that at least about 90% of the portion of the anode surface area has a layer of electricigenic microbes, the layer greater than about 1 micron in thickness. This thickness is indicative of the layer including at least a first stratum of electricigenic microbes in direct contact with the anode and a second stratum of electricigenic microbes in direct contact with the first stratum such that the second stratum is in indirect contact with the anode.

Abstract: 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.