Project number
18103
Organization
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Academic year
2018-2019
The team designed and constructed a microbial fuel cell that harnesses the energy produced through the oxidation of glucose by E. coli. Experimentation involved two key parameters of the microbial fuel cell: optical density of the bacteria and the electrode material. Different optical densities were tested using different anode and cathode materials to find the optimal energy output for the cell. The selected design maximizes electron transfer between the microbes and the anode to produce the most electricity to power a 40-watt equivalent LED bulb.