Optimizing power generation in sediment microbial fuel cells through multi-electrode configurations

Background: Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are efficient platforms for electricity generation and organic/inorganic material removal from sediment. The use of multi-electrode systems is vital for enhancing power and current generation while ensuring stability under bioturbation processes. Methods: This study investigates the influence of anode and cathode configurations on the performance of various SMFCs with constant total electrode area and identical sediment. We specifically analyzed the impact of one, two, four, and eight graphite electrodes as anodes and cathodes in four SMFC setups. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and impedance tests were conducted to assess performance. Significant findings: Results show that the four-anode configuration exhibited increased current generation, while having four cathodes improved performance according to impedance tests. However, using eight cathodes led to decreased power and increased ohmic resistance due to cathodic restriction. SMFC A, with eight anodes and four cathodes, achieved a peak power output of 394 μW, while SMFC B, with four anodes and cathodes, reached a maximum current of 1600 μA. These values represent significant enhancements compared to single-anode setups with the same electrode surface area. This study highlights the potential for improving SMFC performance through strategic multi-electrode configurations.