JMS_V4_N1_RP1 Abdulhadi Ali Albaser Numrah Nisar Vijitra Luang-In Journal on Material Science 2347–615X 4 1 20 25 Teflon, Algae, Photo Microbial Fuel Cell, 0.5 Volt 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. April - June 2016 Copyright © 2016 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=5983