Digital Book
Microbial Electrochemical Cell Technology with Lab Notes
Chapter 4 - Electrode Materials and Configurations
Author: Prof. Dr. Tunc Catal
Publication Date: 10.01.2026
Publisher: EUCHEMBIOJ Publishing Platform
DOI:
10.62063/2026-mfc-c4
Type:
Applied Handbook
Field:
Biotechnology, Bioelectrochemistry
ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the influence of electrode materials and configurations on the energy conversion efficiency of microbial electrochemical devices. Higher surface area, higher electrical conductivities, and improved biocompatibility of the anodes are desired for the growth of electroactive biofilms. Carbon materials are currently the most used but metals (and nanostructured variants thereof) are being investigated for their potential to improve durability and catalytic performance. The choice of cathode is key to determining the kinetics of the electrochemical reaction as well as the overall power density of the device. In addition, this chapter describes the advantages and disadvantages of using a two-chamber, single-chamber, stacked, and new reactor design, how pH, temperature, ionic strength, and applied voltage can be used to increase the system optimization, and how the above factors can affect electricity and hydrogen production.
Keywords
Electrode materials; Microbial electrochemical systems; Biofilm–electrode interactions; Cell configuration optimization; Electron transfer
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