Cell-to-electrode contact structures for power density enhancements in microbial fuel cells

More than 200% power density enhancement in miniaturized microbial fuel cells (MFCs) has been successfully demonstrated by modifying the contact electrode structure using micro and nano processes. Two fundamental issues are addressed in this work: (1) a methodology to enhance power density of MFCs by changing micro and nano structural configurations of contact electrodes, (2) a study on the effectiveness of charge transfer between living cells with organic nanowire-pili and micro/nano interfacial electrodes. As such, this work represents a step forward toward higher energy conversion efficiency as well as practical application of MFCs.