Bicarbonate and carbonate as hydroxide carriers in a biological fuel cell
US9142852B2 · kind B2 · utility
2Cited by
3References
22Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a process that helps alleviate the pH gradient between anode and cathode compartments in any biological fuel cell or electrolytic cell configuration in which a pH gradient between anode and cathode is limiting the voltage efficiency. By providing acid to the cathode compartment in the form of CO2, the pH gradient is reduced and voltage efficiency and power output are increased. In one embodiment, carbon dioxide produced in the anode chamber is recycled to the cathode chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.