Application of benthonic microbial fuel cells and electro-Fenton process to dye decolourisation

The design of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) should account for realistic conditions to have an MFC considered to be a reliable energy source. For this reason, this study focused on the design of a simple and economical cell, such as a benthonic microbial fuel cell (BMFC). Moreover, it was demonstrated that the stable energy generated in the best configuration of MFCs drives external advanced oxidation processes (electrochemical and electro-Fenton). Finally, a new hybrid cell (BMFC anode and electro-Fenton cathode) was designed to obtain a dual benefit: dye decolourisation and an increase in the produced energy. (C) 2014 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.