Algal biofilms, microbial fuel cells, and implementation of state-of-the-art research into chemical and biological engineering laboratories | Posted on:2011-11-24 | Degree:Ph.D | Type:Dissertation | University:Montana State University | Candidate:Menicucci, Joseph Anthony, Jr | Full Text:PDF | GTID:1442390002953510 | Subject:Alternative Energy | Abstract/Summary: | | Alternative energy technologies become more attractive as the price of energy from fossil fuels becomes more expensive and the environmental concerns from their use mount. While a number of biological alternative energy technologies currently exist, a complete understanding of these technologies has yet to be developed. This dissertation characterizes an aspect of biological alternative energy technologies: the production of algal biofuels and energy conversion in microbial fuel cells. Specifically, this dissertation addresses the characterization of microalgae as a biofilm and the characterization of the power limitations of microbial fuel cells.;The attachment and detachment of algae were observed using temporal microscopic imaging in a flow-cell with autofluorescence and staining techniques as part of a collaborative Montana State University and Idaho National Laboratory project. Colonies of algae exhibit many characteristics seen in bacterial biofilms: adherence; detachment and sloughing; difference in structure of an attached colony; varying strength of attachment on different surfaces; association of other organisms in an EPS matrix; and the heterogeneous nature of attached colonies.;The characterization of a microbial fuel cell was completed in less than 30 minutes using an empirical procedure to predict the maximum sustainable power that can be generated by a microbial fuel cell over a short period of time. In this procedure, the external resistance was changed incrementally, in steps of 500 O every 60 seconds, and the anode potential, the cathode potential, and the cell current were measured. This procedure highlights the inherent limitations of energy conversion in a microbial fuel cell. A voltage/current characterization of the microbial fuel was also completed from the data collected.;This dissertation also includes the evaluation of A Hands-On Introduction to Microbial Fuel Cells, a laboratory developed for an introductory chemical and biological engineering course. The experiment has been updated to include a voltage/current characterization of the microbial fuel cell. Learning objectives have been identified and pre- and post-laboratory activities have been developed for further implementation into a chemical and biological engineering curriculum. | Keywords/Search Tags: | Microbial fuel, Chemical and biological engineering, Energy technologies | | Related items |
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