Power performance improvement in sediment microbial fuel cells: Recent advances and future challenges

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2023-07, Vol.48 (63), p.24426-24446
• Main Authors: Wang, Hang, Ye, Yixuan, Zhang, Jinhui, Ning, Haiyan, Xiang, Yu, Song, Xiaoming, Zhao, Wangyi, Guo, Fei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electrode modifications; Energy harvesting strategies; Limited output power; Performance improvement strategies; Sediment microbial fuel cells
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.03.291

Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) provide a promising sustainable technological platform that has been proposed for multiple applications, including sediment bioremediation and power sources for environmental sensors. However, the practical applications of SMFC are restricted due to their limited output power. This review analyzes the limitations on output power and their causes. Then, a variety of strategies proposed to improve the power performance of SMFC, ranging from electrode modification to SMFC configuration optimization and energy harvesting strategies, are summarized and discussed in detail. Finally, future challenges and perspectives are analyzed, with an expectation that SMFC technology can be further advanced. This review aims to provide insights into power performance improvement and practical applications of SMFC. [Display omitted] •Limited SMFC power performance and the associated causes are analyzed.•The strategies proposed to improve output power are summarized and discussed.•Cost-effective and eco-friendly strategies are critical for SMFC applications.•Future challenges and perspectives that should be considered are discussed.