Abstract

Microbial fuel cells are new technology for the production of bioelectricity. The electrons liberated by microorganisms during consumption of organic substrate are transferred from the anode to the cathode linked by an external circuit and produce electricity under anaerobic conditions. In this study, palm oil mill effluent anaerobic sludge was used as active biocatalyst for bioelectricity generation. Several substrates such as glucose, fructose, sucrose and molasses were examined as electron donors by mixed culture of microorganisms in an anaerobic anode compartment. The maximum open circuit voltage achieved was 460 mV and the highest power and current density were 55.25 mW/m² and 208.55 mA/m², respectively.

Key word: Biocatalysis, microbial fuel cell, substrate, palm oil, power density.