Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi I am trying to generate power from decomposing seasand/mud with a graphite plate buried in the mud, plastic covered wire attached coming up, then there is about 10 inches of water and another plate floating with a wire to complete the circuit. I start with about 0.4 volts then over the next few days it drops way down. it's at room temp. what am i doing wrong?

thnk you
aaliyah

Hi aaliyah2003,

Welcome to science buddies! I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

Are you trying to make a microbial fuel cell to generate power? The decomposing seasand/mud will provide the microorganisms that will reduce organic molecules and provide a source of electrons for power generation. For this application, you also need to provide materials that will make a complete circuit, and food for the bacteria to grow on.

Here is a microbial fuel cell project idea that includes more details:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p032.shtml

If you are observing power for a while that suddenly stops, it's possible that the electrodes are being blocked by biofilm, which an overgrowth of microorganisms, or that the microbes are running out of food.

If this is not what you are doing, please describe the details of your experimental set up, so we can provide additional advice.


Donna Hardy