Abstract
Plant photosynthesis is one of nature's best gifts to humankind for converting solar energy into chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates and energy. Plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) or photosynthetic MFCs integrate the principles of photosynthesis and fuel cell to convert such synthesized carbohydrates and organic matter into electricity by microbial oxidation in the rhizosphere of plants. Also, plants utilize nutrients from effluent streams for self-growth and metabolism, reducing the nutrient load and heavy metal concentration, and are capable to degrade contaminants. Performance of PMFC is governed by various parameters such as selection of plant species, rhizodeposits, design of MFC, electrode properties, inoculum characteristics, wastewater properties, etc. This chapter discussed the basics of PMFC to applications for real field. According to applications, PMFC designs can be varied as constructed MFC, microbial carbon capture cells, microbial solar cells, floating islands, hydroponics-MFC, and paddy field MFC. Thus, simultaneous organic matter degradation, biomass recovery, oxygen release for cathodic reduction, CO2 sequestrations, nutrient removal, and heavy metal removal along with electricity generation can be achieved in PMFC.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Catalysis for Clean Energy and Environmental Sustainability |
| Subtitle of host publication | Biomass Conversion and Green Chemistry - Volume 1 |
| Publisher | Springer International Publishing |
| Pages | 135-147 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9783030650179 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9783030650162 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 11 Apr 2021 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Constructed wetlands
- Microbial solar cells
- Photosynthetic organisms
- Plant microbial fuel cell
- Wastewater treatment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Engineering
- General Environmental Science
- General Chemistry
- General Chemical Engineering
