Interactive Plant Microbial Fuel Cell Simulator

Plant Microbial Fuel Cell Simulator

Created By : Ir. MD Nursyazwi

Observe the symbiotic relationship between plants and microbes to generate electricity.

Instructions on How To

This simulator allows you to explore the fascinating world of Plant Microbial Fuel Cells (PMFCs). You can change different parameters and see how they affect the energy output in real-time. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Configure Your Setup

In the Data Input section, you'll find various controls to build your PMFC. Use the dropdown menus to choose your Plant Type, Electrode Material, and Circuit Component. Use the sliders to adjust environmental factors like Plant Growth Rate, Nutrient Level, and Temperature. Try experimenting with different combinations to see how they impact the system.

2. Run the Simulation

Once you've set your desired conditions, click the Start Simulation button to begin. You will see a visual representation of the PMFC generating electricity. The particles (electrons and protons) will begin to flow, and the graph in the Results section will start to plot your data. To stop the simulation, click the Stop Simulation button. You can click Reset at any time to clear all data and start over.

3. Get Optimal Conditions Instantly

If you want to see a powerful, high-efficiency setup right away, simply click the Set Optimal Conditions button. This will automatically configure the simulator with the best-performing parameters for maximum voltage and current output, giving you a great starting point for observation.

4. Analyze Your Results

The Results section provides key metrics like Voltage, Current, and Power in real-time. The live graph visually charts these metrics over time, allowing you to easily track performance changes. You can also observe the efficiency score, plant biomass, and the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed and oxygen released, demonstrating the dual benefits of the system.

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Data Input

Connection Type: Single Cell Series (4 Cells) Parallel (4 Cells) Series/Parallel (4 Cells)

Plant Type: Rice (High Biomass) Wheat (Moderate Biomass) Cattail (High Exudates) Succulent (Drought Tolerant) Legume (Nitrogen-Fixing)

Electrode Type: Carbon Felt Graphite Plate Stainless Steel Mesh Platinum-Coated Carbon (High Voltage) Activated Carbon (High Current)

External Circuit Component: Galvanometer Light Bulb Battery

Plant Growth Rate: 1.0

Microbe Efficiency: 1.0

Nutrient Level: 1.0

Soil Moisture: 0.5

Oxygen Level: 0.5

Light Intensity: 1.0

Temperature ( C): 25.0

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Simulation

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Results

Connection

Single Cell

Voltage (V)

0.00 V

Current (I)

0.00 mA

Power (P)

0.00 mW

Efficiency Score

0.00

Plant Biomass

0

CO2 Absorbed

0.00 kg

O2 Released

0.00 kg

Simulation Time

0.00 s

Battery Charge (%)

0.00%

Voltage (V) Current (mA) Power (mW) CO2 Absorbed O2 Released

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Science Explanation

A Plant Microbial Fuel Cell (PMFC) is a bio-electrochemical system that uses the natural metabolism of living organisms to generate an electrical current. This process is driven by **redox reactions**, a type of chemical reaction where electrons are transferred from one substance to another, converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The system is made up of an **anode** (negative electrode), a **cathode** (positive electrode), and a proton-conducting medium (the soil).

The Anode Chamber (Oxidation)

During photosynthesis, plants turn solar energy into chemical energy, creating organic compounds like sugars which they send to their roots. These compounds are released into the soil as **root exudates**. The soil contains a community of microbes, including **exoelectrogens**—bacteria that can use an external surface as an electron acceptor for respiration. In the low-oxygen environment of the soil around the anode, these microbes consume the root exudates as a food source. As they metabolize the organic matter, they release **electrons** and **protons**. The electrons are then transferred from the microbes to the anode, creating a flow of electrons that generates electricity. An example of this is the oxidation of glucose at the anode, which breaks down the glucose molecule into carbon dioxide, protons, and electrons.

The Cathode Chamber (Reduction)

The electrons travel from the anode through an external electrical circuit to the cathode. This flow of electrons is the electrical current that can power a device. At the same time, the protons created at the anode move through the soil's water, which acts as a proton exchange medium, toward the cathode. At the cathode, which is usually exposed to the air, the protons and electrons combine with oxygen to form water in a **reduction reaction**. This process is vital for completing the circuit and keeping the electrochemical reaction going.

The Overall Reaction

The overall reaction of the PMFC system is the combination of the oxidation and reduction reactions. It represents the complete conversion of organic matter and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water, while also producing electrical energy. The system essentially uses plant processes to power a bacterial 'battery'.

Key Components

• **Plant:** The main biological part, acting as a solar energy collector and a source of organic matter (root exudates). The type of plant significantly affects the quantity and quality of these exudates, impacting the system's overall performance.
• **Microbes (Exoelectrogens):** The crucial biological catalyst. These bacteria help to break down organic matter and transfer electrons to the anode. Their density and metabolic efficiency directly influence the current produced by the fuel cell.
• **Anode:** The negative electrode. This is a highly conductive, non-corrosive material (like carbon felt or graphite) that gives microbes a surface to attach to and offload their electrons. The surface area and conductivity of the anode are essential for efficient electron transfer.
• **Cathode:** The positive electrode. A material that provides a place for the reduction reaction to happen, where electrons combine with protons and an electron acceptor (typically oxygen) to form water.
• **Soil:** Serves as the environment for microbial activity, providing space for the plant roots and acting as a **proton exchange medium** to allow protons to travel from the anode to the cathode.

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References

• Strik, D. P., Helder, M., & Hamelers, H. V. (2011). "Plant-microbial fuel cells: A new application of wetland vegetation." Environmental Science & Technology, 45(15), 6549-6555.
• Helder, M., & Strik, D. P. (2014). "Plant-microbial fuel cells: A new technology for sustainable electricity generation." Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science, 10(1), 1-13.
• Electronics Experimentation Kit: A great starter kit for building your own circuits and learning about electricity.
• Microbiology and Biofuel Fundamentals: A comprehensive guide to the science behind microbial processes and their use in generating clean energy.
• Renewable Energy Engineering: A Primer: An introductory textbook covering the principles and applications of various renewable energy technologies.
• DIY Bio-electrochemical Systems: A hands-on guide for creating your own sustainable energy projects, including PMFCs.

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