Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

We just recently came upon a confusion over one of our materials for our project. We are building our own microbial fuel cell (MFC). We based our construction procedure on previous work done by a past student. We can't figure out whether the carbon cloth we should get should be carbon fiber, cloth, or woven. We have tried searching it up, but ended up even more confused. Many of the sites providing information on how to build a MFC either listed just carbon cloth, carbon fiber, or even both.

Hi,

It sounds like you are working on a really great, but challenging project.

Does the source you are looking at provide information on the surface area of the cloth or fiber? If so, then choose the product that has the highest surface area.

Before you order, do check out the information below:

Here is a project idea from this website that will provide you with useful background information on making a microbial fuel cell.

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

This project idea uses a kit, and it sounds like you are making your own mfc, so here is information on what to use for electrode material:

Here is a reference that used graphite from pencils:

http://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/ ... ?aid=57993

Here is a useful review article from Bruce Logan at Penn State, who has published lots of articles on mfc design. There is information on electrodes and other components you will need:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ko ... 000000.pdf

Here is a list of materials used by a group of Bruce Logan’s students. The students ordered large quantities and you would need to find a source offering smaller quantities of the carbon cloth. Please note the use of platinum in the cathode electrode. Platinum is expensive, but it’s very effective as a catalyst in the cathode chamber to maximize the power output of the mfc.

http://www.engr.psu.edu/ce/enve/logan/b ... al-mfc.pdf

What are you going to do with your mfc? Or, what is your project question? Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Donna

Hi Donna,

Thank you for the information and links! My partner and I have decided to order a waterproof carbon cloth. For our fuel cell, we are using the the Spice Up the Power of a Microbial fuel with a Dash of Salt project and trying to build on that. I believe that we do have most of our supplies down and we are aiming to start the project around next week.

I will make sure to ask if any concerns pop up again!

Great! It sounds you are very well prepared to start your project. Please do let me know if you have any questions as you set up your MFC.

Donna