Recent advances in microbial fuel cell technology for energy generation from wastewater sources

In recent years, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are considered an innovative technology for power generation from wastewater sources. Even though many reviews have appeared regarding the efficiency of MFC in wastewater treatment and power generation, but developing cost-effective cathode catalysts for maximum power generationby the use of metabolic engineering in MFCs are rare. This review outlines efforts made on efficiency of different types of MFCs in power generation (single chamber, double chamber, up-flow, stacked, and tubular MFCs) from wastewater sources. The mechanisms and parameters that determine MFC performance as well as their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Based on literature findings, the power density ranges from 62.27 to 1250 mW/m2 in single chamber MFCs to 28.82 to 6119 mW/m2 in double chamber MFCs, and 98.7 to 333 mW/m2, 7.29 to 1287 mW/m2, and 0.0413 to 7710 mW/m3 for up-flow, stacked, and tubular MFCs, respectively. Use of low-cost materials is essential to achieve high sustainability as 80% of the operating costs of MFCs is related to components such as membranes and electrodes. The significance of advancing MFC power generation including exploring metabolic engineering holds a promise for boosting the MFC power output. Further studies are required to focus on enhancing MFC efficiency by optimizing electrode design, microbial communities, and operating conditions. This review discusses on how to maximize the conversion of organic matter into electricity, contributing to the overall practical application and scalability of MFCs as sustainable and efficient energy approach.