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Abstract

Dual chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) with saline catholyte was used in laboratory scale study on the effect of Proton exchange membrane (PEM) diameter on energy output. Two different agar-agar salt-bridges PEM of diameters 1/2inche and 1inch were used in a plastic Microbial fuel cell unit with electrodes manufactured to the same dimensions (area of 1.33×10- 2m2). Brewery waste water was used as the substrate, with its microorganism as the biocatalyst. The cells were operated at room temperature and pH of 7.0±0.3. The cells were operated for 21days while the performance was monitored every three days. The set-up of 1/2inche PEM produced the maximum voltage of 47mV between the 13th and the 15th day while the MFC units with a 1inch PEM produce maximum voltage of 57mV between the 19th and the 21day. The over potential in the MFC with 1inch was reduced with large proton transfer space giving the unit a better performance

Biography

T. Briggs obtained his Doctoral degree Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering under Mechanical Engineering from University of Nigeria, and a Postgraduate certificate in Advanced Studies in Academic Practice from University of Newcastle, UK. He has published some research papers in learned reputable journals both in Nigeria and abroad. He has a high sense of research curiosities with great intellectual drive. He is presently the coordinator for Mechatronic Engineering Department and assistant coordinator of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer office in the University of Port Harcourt. Akuma Oji has a Master Degree in Chemical Engineering and a lecturer with Chemical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt. He is a consultant on Environment and Bioenergry.