Waste valorization using solid-phase microbial fuel cells (SMFCs): Recent trends and status

This review article discusses the use of solid waste processed in solid-phase microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) as a source of electrical energy. Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are typically operated in the liquid phase because the ion transfer process is efficient in liquid media. Nevertheless, some researchers have considered the potential for MFCs in solid phases (particularly for treating solid waste). This has promise if several important factors are optimized, such as the type and amount of substrate, microorganism community, system configuration, and type and number of electrodes, which increases the amount of electricity generated. The critical factor that affects the SMFC performance is the efficiency of electron and proton transfer through solid media. However, this limitation may be overcome by electrode system enhancements and regular substrate mixing. The integration of SMFCs with other conventional solid waste treatments could be used to produce sustainable green energy. Although SMFCs produce relatively small amounts of energy compared with other waste-to-energy treatments, SMFCs are still promising to achieve zero-emission treatment. Therefore, this article addresses the challenges and fills the gaps in SMFC research and development.