microbial electrolysis cell

[oldman420]

From the npr program science friday
http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/200711163

Researchers have developed a more efficient way to extract hydrogen from biological materials using a bacterial fuel cell. The cell uses a granulated graphite anode, a carbon cathode with a platinum catalyst, and an off-the-shelf anion exchange membrane. Naturally-occurring bacteria within the cell consume biological materials such as acetic acid and release electrons and protons. Adding a bit more electrical energy to the cell is enough to produce bubbles of hydrogen. The researchers say 288 percent more energy in hydrogen is produced than the amount of electrical energy put into the cell.


this seems to me to be truly revolutionary.
the process does however produce some C02 this is the only drawback I can think of.
apparently most any bacteria will work and most any biomass will work, "even poop".

 

[jagec]

Interesting. It's a pity that PEMs are kind of pricey...of course, they cost just as much for fuel cell use as they do for this. And I'm sure the price would plummet if they were to seriously gear up this process.

 

[CycloWizard]

Originally posted by: jagec
Interesting. It's a pity that PEMs are kind of pricey...of course, they cost just as much for fuel cell use as they do for this. And I'm sure the price would plummet if they were to seriously gear up this process.

PEMs are still pricey partially because they use precious metals (particularly platinum) as a catalyst and they are poisoned by even trace amounts of CO2. It is definitely true that increasing demand would bring the prices down, as superior materials could alleviate the need for catalysts and avoid the poisoning problem that necessitates membrane replacement.

 

[sciboi66]

I find that the development of alternative sources of energy is fascinating. What are your thoughts on the debate about alternative fuels? Does anyone here think there is a possible conspiracy against their development? I read from a technology e-zine that there is a such thing as a virus battery. A new technology that uses a certain kind of virus assembled battery that may someday power nano-technology. Perhaps it is similar to the technology already mentioned in this post.

 

[BrownTown]

This is far from an "alternative" fuel imo. I like the statement "some CO2" in that this produces just as much CO2 as and other hydrocarbon and produces less energy in the process. In point of fact the result of this cell is to produce MORE CO2 than simply burning the biomass in a normal power plant. It is a nice little science experiment, but nothing more then that.