Review on Microphotosynthetic Power Cells—A Low‐Power Energy‐Harvesting Bioelectrochemical Cell: From Fundamentals to Applications

• Published in: Energy technology (Weinheim, Germany) Germany), 2021-07, Vol.9 (7), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Kuruvinashetti, Kiran, Tanneru, Hemanth Kumar, Pillay, Pragasen, Packirisamy, Muthukumaran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algae; Aquatic plants; bioelectrochemical systems; biophotovoltaics; biosolar cells; Clean energy; Commercialization; Cyanobacteria; Design parameters; Energy harvesting; microbial fuel cells; Microorganisms; Photosynthesis; photosynthetic cells; Renewable energy
• ISSN: 2194-4288; 2194-4296
• DOI: 10.1002/ente.202001002

Biophotoelectrochemical cells are gaining prominence in recent years due to the necessity of sustainable power generation at both micro‐ and macroscale. Toward this direction, microphotosynthetic power cells (μ‐PSC) play a vital role in generating clean energy. The μ‐PSC generates sustainable power under light and in the dark through the photosynthesis and respiration of photosynthetic microorganisms or cells, such as cyanobacteria and green algae. Herein, particulars on μ‐PSCs from fundamentals to real‐time applications are provided. The state of the art of μ‐PSCs, in terms of the principle of operation, design, and materials is presented. μ‐PSCs reported to date are classified based on design, operating parameters, and photosynthetic organisms. In addition, details on the metrics and factors influencing the performance of μ‐PSCs are also discussed. The need for the development of mathematical and electrical equivalent models of μ‐PSCs and the progress in these areas are briefed. Current challenges for μ‐PSCs’ commercialization are identified as high cost and low power densities, and the factors that are leading to low power density and high cost are explored and are also discussed. In addition, the potential solutions to overcome these challenges are investigated. Microphotosynthetic power cells (μ‐PSCs) are one of the promising sustainable energy technologies at both micro‐ and macroscale. Herein, information ranging from fundamentals of working to real‐time applications of μ‐PSCs is provided. The factors responsible for the low power density and high cost of μ‐PSCs are explored. The potential solutions to overcome challenges for real‐time applications are investigated.