Polytetrafluoroethylene as a Proton Exchange Membrane in an Algae Fuel Cell

Abdulhadi Ali Albaser*, Numrah Nisar**, Vijitra Luang-In***
* Lecturer, Division of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Sebha University, Libya.
** Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan.
*** Lecturer, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Thailand.
Periodicity:April - June'2016
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jms.4.1.5983

Abstract

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) offer an attractive solution for energy production that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. This process is mediated by microbes that oxidise the organic matter (fuel) and generates electrons and protons. The aims of this study were to test Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a proton exchange membrane and to test current generation from a mixed culture of photosynthetic microbes. PTFE is commonly used in the plumbing industry (Teflon tape) and is known to have a tendency to attract electrons. A low cost H shape (two chamber) photo MFC was built in order to harvest electricity from a mixed culture of green algae that inhabit fresh water in a local farm located in the city of Sebha, Libya. The main bodies (chambers) of the fuel cell were made of two transparent plastic food storage containers (L 13.5, H 6.5, W9.5 cm) with lid, the containers connected with dark plastic tubing and separated by PTFE membrane. A lead plate (net) was used as the anode, while a pencil graphite was used as cathode. Several resistors of different ohm's values were tested, in order to determine the optimal resistor. The maximum voltage generated using this photo MFC was 0.5 V in less than 24h of incubation under the effect of sunlight, and remained stable for more than 72h. The use of PTFE as a proton exchange membrane in the microbial fuel cell is the main advantage of this study, in terms of cost. Furthermore, the carbon source (substrate) and mediators are not required. The study concluded that, protons released during the algae action move through the PTFE membrane and reach the cathode chamber and hence electricity is produced.

Keywords

Teflon, Algae, Photo Microbial Fuel Cell, 0.5 Volt.

How to Cite this Article?

Albaser, A. A., Nisar, N., and Luang-In, V. (2016). Polytetrafluoroethylene as a Proton Exchange Membrane in an Algae Fuel Cell. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 4(1), 20-25. https://doi.org/10.26634/jms.4.1.5983

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