Energy from plants and microorganisms: progress in plant-microbial fuel cells

ChemSusChem. 2012 Jun;5(6):1006-11. doi: 10.1002/cssc.201100257. Epub 2011 Dec 9.

Abstract

Plant-microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) are newly emerging devices, in which electricity can be generated by microorganisms that use root exudates as fuel. This review presents the development of PMFCs, with a summary of their power generation, configurations, plant types, anode and cathode materials, biofilm communities, potential applications, and future directions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Bioelectric Energy Sources*
  • Catalysis
  • Electrodes / microbiology
  • Plant Exudates / metabolism
  • Plant Roots / metabolism
  • Plants / metabolism*

Substances

  • Plant Exudates