Abstract: A two-stage voltage step-up converter and energy storage system is utilized for harvesting trickling electrons from benthic microbe habitats. A relatively random low voltage from the microbial fuel cell (less than about 0.8 VDC) is provided to the first stage step-up converter, which stores power in a first output storage device. A first comparator circuit turns on the second stage step-up converter to transfer energy from the first output storage device to a second output storage device. A second comparator circuit intermittently connects the load to the second output storage device. After initial start-up, the system is self-powered utilizing the first and second output devices but may use a battery for the initial start-up, after which an automatic switch can switch the battery out of the circuit.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an in vitro enzymatic process that effectively converts renewable polysaccharides into high yields of hydrogen at mild conditions, using only enzymes and water. The process comprises a number of enzymes: (1) phosphorylases, (2) phosphoglucomutases, (3) hydrogenases, and (4) enzymes involved in the pentose-phosphate pathway. Preferred embodiments of the process produce only hydrogen and carbon dioxide as net products, translating into an inexpensive method of generating hydrogen in very large quantities from low-cost feedstocks.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure provides methods and materials for generating electrical energy from wastewater treatment materials. For example, the methods involve selecting a pair of materials from a wastewater treatment facility and forming a microbial fuel cell using the pair of materials as anode and cathode materials. There are provided various configurations suitable for adaptation to existing wastewater treatment facilities, as well as design parameters for new wastewater treatment facilities, devices, or schemes that take advantage of the methods of the disclosure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a consumable component kit for use in a system which utilises a liquid culture of a microbiological material, the kit including: a sealed and aseptic culturing vessel; at least one sealed and aseptic chamber for storing a liquid nutrient medium; a sample of the microbiological material; a sample of the nutrient medium which is suitable for use in a feedstock for the microbiological material; optionally, a sample of salts and other components of the liquid nutrient medium; and a plurality of aseptic conduits for connecting the chamber to the culturing vessel, and for connecting the culturing vessel to the remainder of the system to enable a liquid supply of the microbiological material, or a product or extract thereof, to be utilised by the system.

Abstract: 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.

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: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell (100) includes an anode compartment (110) including an anode (115) and anolyte (120). The anolyte (120) comprises a plurality of in-vivo cells (125) mixed with a plurality of electrically conducting nano or micro-scale fibers (128), wherein at least a portion of the plurality of electrically conducting fibers (128) are in electrical contact with a surface of the anode (115). A cathode compartment (140) includes a cathode (145) and a catholyte (150). A cation-exchange membrane (155) is disposed between the anode compartment (110) and the cathode compartment (140).

Abstract: An electrode device (100) set up for membrane-potential shunting to cells (1) with membrane casings (2) comprises a cell holder (10) designed to hold the cells, and an electrode support (20) having at least two electrodes (21) of a first polarity, wherein the electrodes (21) are designed as protrusions which extend over one surface of the electrode support (20) and are electrically insulated relative to the surface of the electrode support (20), and wherein the electrodes (21) are arranged so that when the cell holder (10) is populated with cells (1), the electrodes (21) are positioned in the cells (1). A generator device (200) designed to generate electric power through membrane-potential shunting to cells (1) with a membrane casing (2) is described, and a method to generate electric power by shunting of a membrane potential to the cells (1).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: [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 (10) supporting anaerobic microorganisms (11) is immersed in an organic substrate (S). A positive electrode (15) sealed together with an electrolyte (D) in a closed hollow cassette (20) having an outer shell (25) at least a part of which is formed of an ion-permeable membrane (21), an inlet (22), and an outlet (23) or connected to the inner side of an ion-permeable membrane (21) is inserted into the organic substrate (S). While oxygen (O) is supplied into the cassette (20) through the inlet (22) and the outlet (23), electricity is taken out through a circuit (18) electrically interconnecting the negative and positive electrodes (10, 15).

Abstract: 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.

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 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.

Abstract: 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.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell includes a bio-compatible body having a micro-pillar structure defining an anode compartment adapted to contain a catalyst that metabolizes glucose to generate electrons and protons. A nano-porous membrane prevents loss of the catalyst from the anode compartment, while providing fluid access for ingress of glucose fuel and egress of waste.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides new isolated strains of a Geobacter species that are capable of using a carbon source that is selected from C3 to C12 organic compounds selected from pyruvate or metabolic precursors of pyruvate as an electron donor in metabolism and in subsequent energy production. In other aspects, other preferred embodiments of the present invention include methods of making such strains and methods of using such strains. In general, the wild type strain of the microorganisms has been shown to be unable to use these C3 to C12 organic compounds as electron donors in metabolic steps such as the reduction of metallic ions. The inventive strains of microorganisms are useful for improving bioremediation applications, including in situ bioremediation (including uranium bioremediation and halogenated solvent bioremediation), microbial fuel cells, power generation from small and large-scale waste facilities (e.g.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fuel cell which can directly extract electric power from a polysaccharide, such as starch, is provided. A fuel electrode is formed by immobilizing with an immobilizer, on an electrode comprised of, e.g., carbon, an enzyme responsible for decomposing a polysaccharide into monosaccharides, an enzyme responsible for decomposing the monosaccharide formed, a coenzyme (e.g., NAD+ or NADP+) which forms a reductant due to the oxidation reaction in the monosaccharide decomposition process, a coenzyme oxidase (e.g., diaphorase) for oxidizing the reductant of the coenzyme (e.g., NADH or NADPH), and an electron mediator (e.g., ACNQ or vitamin K3) for receiving electrons generated due to the oxidation of the coenzyme from the coenzyme oxidase and delivering the electrons to the electrode. The fuel cell comprises the fuel electrode and the air electrode that sandwich an electrolyte layer.

Abstract: 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 Methylomonas methanica. The methanotroph may be anaerobic and/or aerobic, and the fuel cell may be open (e.g., to the atmosphere) or sealed. In some cases, a population of methanotrophs is used. In some cases, syntrophic associations may be formed between different species of microorganisms. In one embodiment, the fuel cell is of a columnar design, e.g., a packed bead column. 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.

Abstract: 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.

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: 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.

Abstract: A system for hydrogen gas generation is provided according to the present invention which includes a hydrogen gas electrode assembly including a first anode in electrical communication with a first cathode; a microbial fuel cell electrode assembly including a second anode in electrical communication with a second cathode, the microbial fuel cell electrode assembly in electrical communication with the hydrogen gas electrode assembly for enhancing an electrical potential between the first anode and the first cathode. A single chamber housing contains the hydrogen gas electrode assembly at least partially in the interior space of the housing.

Abstract: A fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same are provided, wherein at least one type of enzyme and coenzyme are confined in a minute space, an enzyme reaction is effected while this space serves as a reaction field. Thereby, electrons can be taken out of the fuel efficiently to generate electrical energy, and immobilization of these enzyme and coenzyme on an electrode can be performed easily. The enzyme and the coenzyme required for an enzyme reaction are encapsulated in a liposome, and the resulting liposome is immobilized on the surface of an electrode formed from porous carbon or the like so as to form an enzyme immobilization electrode. A transporter is incorporated in the liposome, as necessary. An electron mediator is also immobilized on the surface of the electrode. The resulting enzyme immobilization electrode is used as, for example, a negative electrode of a biofuel cell.

Abstract: 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.

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 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: 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 Geobacter sulfurreducens and methods of using such strains.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber oriented in two alternative ways (1) the first chamber having an anode in contact with an aqueous solution comprising a photosynthetic organism or photosynthetic part thereof and an electron acceptor molecule, an inlet and an outlet, OR (2) the first chamber having direct contact between an anode and the photosynthetic organism, the second chamber having a cathode in contact with an aqueous solution of an electrolyte, an outlet, wherein the anode and the cathode are connected by a switched electric circuit optionally having an external power source and wherein the second chamber is separated from the first chamber by a proton selective membrane. The device described in the present inventions allows for the production of hydrogen and electrical current.

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: 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: 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.

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 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.

Abstract: A method for the deposition of metals in bacterial cellulose and for the employment of the metallized bacterial cellulose in the construction of fuel cells and other electronic devices is disclosed. The method for impregnating bacterial cellulose with a metal comprises placing a bacterial cellulose matrix in a solution of a metal salt such that the metal salt is reduced to metallic form and the metal precipitates in or on the matrix. The method for the construction of a fuel cell comprises placing a hydrated bacterial cellulose support structure in a solution of a metal salt such that the metal precipitates in or on the support structure, inserting contact wires into two pieces of the metal impregnated support structure, placing the two pieces of metal impregnated support structure on opposite sides of a layer of hydrated bacterial cellulose, and dehydrating the three layer structure to create a fuel cell.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.