Patent ID: 7160637
Filing Date: 2007-01-09
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A microbial fuel cell comprising: a) an anode in an anode compartment and in contact with an anolyte containing a plurality of electricity-producing microbes and nutrient substances therefore, further comprising means for nutrient ingress and waste egress from said anode compartment; and, b) a cathode in a cathode compartment in contact with a catholyte containing materials therein capable of accepting electrons from said cathode, further comprising means for oxygen ingress and waste egress from said cathode compartment; and, c) a proton exchange membrane configured so as to allow passage of protons from said anode compartment to said cathode compartment; and, wherein said anode comprises a substrate having a plurality of substantially parallel microchannels therein, wherein said microchannels have a current collecting coating thereon, and said coated microchannels have dimensions so as to provide no substantial impediment to the flow of said microbes therethrough; and, wherein said microbes are bacteria.