Microbial fuel cell, the Indian scenario: developments and scopes

Abstract

The growth of developing countries such as India depends on the generation of energy required for industrial and agricultural sectors, and the energy-use efficiency of their processes. In the current energy crisis it is now a major concern of governments and researchers to look for alternative and sustainable sources of energy for the future. Fuel cell technologies offer dual-purpose solutions for electricity generation and wastewater treatment. This review gives insight into the basic functioning of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology and its current status in India. Researchers have put in efforts toward the development and optimization of single, dual and stacked fuel cells using various Gram-negative heterotrophic bacteria and marine algae. These cells are no longer restricted to lab studies; field applications are now being planned by researchers. This review looks into details of MFCs developed by research groups of India from the perspective of structure, configuration, substrate, various electrogenic bacteria and, ultimately, the output generated. This allows the reader not only to know the current status but also to understand limitations, loopholes and further scope of development in the field of MFC technology