Development of miniature self-powered single-chamber microbial fuel cell and its response mechanism to copper ions in high and trace concentration

Copper ions are widely present in water environment and are involved in various biochemical reaction processes, causing irreversible damage to the human body. In this study, we design and establish a self-powered miniature single-chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC) reactor using xurography technology. Optimal volume of 188 μL is obtained by controlling the distance between the anode and cathode. Copper ions in two concentration gradients are tested and good linear response curves are obtained. The opposite responses to copper ions in the trace concentration range (0-0.4 mg/L) and high concentration range (1.0-8.0 mg/L) are observed. The results show that at trace concentration range, the inhibitory effect of copper ions on the biofilm activity of micro-SCMFC is dominant; while high concentration copper ions are involved in chemical reactions that produce Cu2O, which may act as a catalyst and promote electron transfer. A good linear response to trace concentration (0-0.4 mg/L) of copper ions with detection limits of 0.05 mg/L is obtained in this study. It could be used in drinking water for trace copper ion detection. The investigation of the mechanisms provides the scientific basis for the design of the efficient detection of copper ions by SCMFC.