METHANE-POWERED MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS
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Abstract
The present disclosure generally relates to fuel cells and, in particular, to microbial fuel cells. In one aspect, the fuel cell can use microorganisms (microbes) to oxidize fuel, especially methane. For instance, the fuel cell may use one or more types of methanotrophs, such as Methylomonas methanica. The methanotroph may be anaerobic and/or aerobic, and the fuel cell may be open (e.g., to the atmosphere) or sealed. In some cases, a population of methanotrophs is used. In some cases, syntrophic associations may be formed between different species of microorganisms. In one embodiment, the fuel cell is of a columnar design, e.g., a packed bead column. Other inventive aspects relate to techniques for forming such fuel cells and fuel cell components, techniques for using such fuel cells, systems involving such fuel cells, and the like.
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Citations
104 Claims
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1-79. -79. (canceled)
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80. A fuel cell comprising:
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an anode comprising a current collector and methanotrophs in an oxygen controlled environment; a cathode; and a methane source to provide methane. - View Dependent Claims (81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90)
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91. A method, comprising:
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providing a fuel cell comprising sediment, the sediment comprising methanotrophs; passing a solution comprising water and methane through the sediment at a rate sufficient for the methanotrophs to oxidize the methane and produce a current; and collecting the current. - View Dependent Claims (92)
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93. A fuel cell comprising:
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a first compartment comprising an anode and methanotrophs; and a second compartment comprising a cathode; wherein; the methanotrophs oxidize methane delivered to the fuel cell to produce electrons that are accepted by the anode. - View Dependent Claims (94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104)
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Specification