Enhancing bacterial adhesion and power generation in microbial fuel cell (MFC). This project aims at clarifying bacterial adhesion to electrode surfaces and the corresponding power generation.  The optimal biofilm thickness on electrode will be determined for high power generation. Currently, we are testing Geobacter, anaerobic activated sludge and soil. We also modify electrode surfaces to enhance bacterial adhesion and electron transfer.

The conductivity of bacteria on electrode surfaces. In order to improve power generation in MFCs, the conductivity of electron-producing bacteria must be known. We are currently using Geobacter as the model bacteria for this conductivity test.

Anaerobic hydrogen production.  Hydrogen production through anaerobic wastewater treatment can produce clean energy through wastewater treatment. The main challenges are how to improve hydrogen production efficiency at different operational condition and how to correlate the liquid fermentation products with biogas products.  We are testing hydrogen production in both continuous biofermentor and batch serum bottles. Three parameters are studied: influent organic concentration, pH and hydraulic retention time.  This study aims at optimizing hydrogen production and revealing the microbial communities under each operational condition. In the future studies, the anaerobic hydrogen production system will be connected with MFCs to generation both hydrogen and electricity from wastewater treatment, which is a promising approach to recover energy stored in wastewater.