Electrodes for use in bacterial fuel cells and bacterial electrolysis cells and bacterial fuel cells and bacterial electrolysis cells employing such electrodes

Abstract

A bacterial fuel cell including a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes in liquid communication with a liquid to be purified, the plurality of anodes and the plurality of cathodes each including a metal electrical conductor arranged to be electrically coupled across a load in an electrical circuit and an electrically conductive coating at least between the metal electrical conductor and the liquid to be purified, the electrically conductive coating being operative to mutually seal the liquid and the electrical conductor from each other.

Claims

1. An electrode for use in at least one of a fuel cell and an electrolysis cell, the electrode comprising: a metal electrical conductor arranged to be electrically coupled in an electrical circuit; and an electrically conductive coating on the entirety of said metal electrical conductor, said electrically conductive coating operative to mutually seal a liquid in said cell and said electrical conductor from each other; wherein said metal electrical conductor is formed of copper or a copper alloy or aluminum or an aluminum alloy; said electrically conductive coating is formed of a conductive plastic; said electrically conductive coating is adapted for biofilm growth; and said electrically conductive coating is water impermeable.

2. An electrode according to claim 1 and also comprising at least one surface adapted for biofilm growth on a surface thereof which is in liquid communication with said liquid and is in electrical communication with said metal electrical conductor via said electrically conductive coating.

3. An electrode according to claim 2 and wherein said at least one surface adapted for biofilm growth is defined by cylindrical surfaces of a multiplicity of elongate elements formed of conductive plastic and extending generally radially outwardly from said metal electrical conductor.

4. An electrode according to claim 3 and wherein said metal electrical conductor is twisted to retain multiple ones of said multiplicity of elongate elements in bunches along an elongate extent thereof.

5. An electrode according to claim 3 and wherein said elongate elements are non-metallic electrical conductors having electrical conductivity less than that of said metal electrical conductor.

6. An electrode according to claim 3 and wherein said elongate elements are formed of conductive plastic.

7. An electrode according to claim 3 and wherein said elongate elements are formed of graphite fibers.

8. An electrode according to claim 2 and wherein said at least one surface adapted for biofilm growth is defined by a multiple vane element surrounded by a loosely wound helical element formed of conductive plastic and extending generally radially outwardly from said metal electrical conductor.

9. An electrode according to claim 2 and wherein said at least one surface adapted for biofilm growth is defined by a fabric overlying a surface of said electrically conductive coating.

10. An electrode according to claim 2 and wherein said electrically conductive coating comprises an electrically conductive sheet.

11. An electrode according to claim 10 and wherein said metal electrical conductor is in the form of a foil.

12. An electrode according to claim 10 and wherein said metal electrical conductor is in the form of a wire grid.

13. An electrode according to claim 10 and wherein said metal electrical conductor is in the form of a perforated planar element.

14. An electrode according to claim 10 and wherein said metal electrical conductor is in the form of a generally parallel array of wires.

15. An electrode according to claim 1 and wherein said metal electrical conductor is a coated metal electrical conductor and said electrically conductive coating comprises an electrically conductive coating formed onto said metal electrical conductor.

16. An electrode according to claim 1 and wherein said metal electrical conductor is in the form of a wire.

17. An electrode according to claim 1 and wherein said metal electrical conductor is in the form of a cable.

18. An electrode according to claim 1 and wherein said metal electrical conductor is in the form of a rod.

19. A bacterial fuel cell including at least one electrode according to claim 1.

20. An electrode according to claim 1, wherein said electrically conductive coating is oxygen permeable.

21. An electrode for use in at least one of a bacterial fuel cell and an electrolysis cell, the electrode comprising: a metal electrical conductor arranged to be electrically coupled in an electrical circuit; an electrically conductive coating on the entirety of said metal electrical conductor and a liquid in said cell, said electrically conductive coating operative to mutually seal a said liquid in said cell and said electrical conductor from each other; wherein said metal electrical conductor is formed of copper or a copper alloy or aluminum or an aluminum alloy; said electrically conductive coating is selected for permitting biofilm growth thereon; and said electrically conductive coating is water impermeable.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a bacterial fuel cell constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of electrodes constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention useful in a bacterial fuel cell and in a bacterial electrolysis cell;

(4) FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are simplified illustrations of three alternative embodiments of cathodes constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention useful in a bacterial fuel cell;

(5) FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are simplified illustrations of three alternative embodiments of cathodes constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention useful in a bacterial fuel cell;

(6) FIGS. 5A and 5B are respective simplified side and top view illustrations of a bacterial fuel cell constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an electrode constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention useful in a bacterial fuel cell and in a bacterial electrolysis cell;

(8) FIG. 7 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an electrode constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention useful in a bacterial fuel cell;

(9) FIG. 8 is a simplified illustration of a cathode constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention useful in a bacterial fuel cell; and

(10) FIGS. 9A and 9B are respective simplified side and top view illustrations of a bacterial electrolysis cell constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(11) Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified illustration of a bacterial fuel cell constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and including a plurality of anodes 100, each designated by the letter A and a plurality of cathodes 102, each designated by the letter C in liquid communication with a liquid 104 to be purified, such as industrial waste water. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, water to be purified is supplied at an inlet 105 which communicates via apertures formed in anodes 100 and cathodes 102 and conduits 106 defined between adjacent cathodes with a series of volumes 107 defined between adjacent anodes 100 and cathodes 102, which are sealed together, as by elastomeric seals (not shown) and with an outlet 108.

(12) In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the anodes and cathodes may be formed as embossed elements similar in shape to those used in conventional plate heat exchangers. Examples of such a structure are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,014,385; 3,792,730; 3,731,737; 3,661,203; 2,787,446 and 2,550,339, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

(13) In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of anodes 100 and the plurality of cathodes 102 each include a metal electrical conductor surrounded by an electrically conductive coating.

(14) The construction of each anode 100 is illustrated in an enlargement 109. It is seen that a metal conductor, preferably copper or aluminum, here designated by reference numeral 110, is surrounded by an electrically conductive coating.

(15) In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically conductive coating is realized by laminating a pair of liquid impermeable conductive plastic sheets 112 so as to encase the metal conductor 110. Preferably sheets 112 are formed of a plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PET, which is compounded with a conductive powder, such as carbon or graphite, to produce a conductive plastic sheet.

(16) Biofilm growth is preferably supported on the outer surfaces of sheets 112. Optionally a biofilm growth support 116 is provided on at least one outer surface of sheets 112. Biofilm growth support 116 may be a fabric preferably formed of polyester or other suitable material.

(17) Typical thicknesses of the various elements of the anode 100 are as follows:

(18) conductor 11020-200 microns

(19) sheet 11250-400 microns

(20) biofilm growth support 11610-50 microns

(21) Four alternative embodiments of anode 100 are illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D. In FIG. 2A, the conductor 110 is in the form of a foil and is designated by reference numeral 120. In FIG. 2B, the conductor 110 is in the form of a wire grid and is designated by reference numeral 122. In FIG. 2C, the conductor 110 is in the form of a perforated planar element and is designated by reference numeral 124. In FIG. 2D, the conductor 110 is in the form of a generally parallel array of wires and is designated by reference numeral 126.

(22) One embodiment of the construction of each cathode 102 is illustrated in an enlargement 128. It is seen that a perforated metal conductor 130, preferably copper or aluminum, is surrounded by an electrically conductive coating.

(23) In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically conductive coating is preferably realized by coating the metal conductor 130 with a liquid impermeable electrically conductive plastic and encasing the coated metal conductor on a liquid facing side thereof with a perforated sheet 132 formed of an electrically conductive plastic. Preferably the electrically conductive plastic is formed by compounding a plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PET with a conductive powder, such as carbon or graphite.

(24) Biofilm growth is preferably supported on the outer surfaces of coated conductor 130 and sheet 132. Optionally a biofilm growth support 136 is provided on at least one outer surface of sheet 132. Biofilm growth support 136 may be a fabric, preferably formed of polyester or other suitable material.

(25) On an opposite, air-facing side of perforated conductive coated metal conductor 130 there is preferably provided an optional attachment layer 138 typically comprising a woven or non-woven fabric formed of plastic, such as a polyester. Outwardly of attachment layer 138 there is preferably provided a liquid-impermeable, oxygen-permeable layer 140, preferably formed of silicone rubber. Attachment layer 138 aids the attachment of oxygen permeable layer 140 to the coated conductor 130. Optionally outwardly of oxygen-permeable layer 140 there is provided a mechanical support layer 142, preferably a grid of relatively rigid plastic.

(26) Typical thicknesses of the various elements of the cathode 102 shown in enlargement 128 are as follows:

(27) perforated coated conductor 130100-600 microns

(28) perforated sheet 13250-400 microns

(29) biofilm growth support 13610-50 microns

(30) attachment layer 13810-50 microns

(31) oxygen-permeable,

(32) liquid impermeable layer 14050-500 microns

(33) mechanical support layer 142100-2000 microns

(34) Three alternative embodiments of the embodiment of the cathode shown in enlargement 128 are illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C. In FIG. 3A, the perforated conductor 130 is in the form of a wire grid comprising wires 144, all of which are coated by a liquid impermeable electrically conductive coating 146, as seen in enlargement 148. In FIG. 3B, the perforated conductor 130 includes a perforated planar metal element 150, all of whose surfaces are coated by a liquid impermeable electrically conductive coating 152 as seen in enlargement 154. In FIG. 3C, the perforated conductor 130 is in the form of a generally parallel array of wires 156 all of which are coated by a liquid impermeable electrically conductive coating 158, as seen in enlargement 160.

(35) Another embodiment of the construction of each cathode 102 is illustrated in an enlargement 168. It is seen that a perforated metal conductor 170, preferably copper or aluminum, is surrounded by an electrically conductive coating.

(36) In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically conductive coating is preferably realized by coating the metal conductor 170 with a liquid impermeable electrically conductive plastic and encasing the coated metal conductor on a liquid facing side thereof with an oxygen-permeable, liquid-impermeable sheet 172 formed of an electrically conductive plastic. Preferably the electrically conductive plastic is formed by compounding a plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PET with a conductive powder, such as carbon or graphite.

(37) Biofilm growth is preferably supported on the outer surface of conductive sheet 172. Optionally a biofilm growth support 176 is provided on at least one outer surface of sheet 172. Biofilm growth support 176 may be a fabric, preferably formed of polyester or other suitable material.

(38) On an opposite, air-facing side of perforated conductive coated metal conductor 170 there is optionally provided a mechanical support layer 178, preferably a grid of relatively rigid plastic.

(39) Typical thicknesses of the various elements of the cathode 102 shown in enlargement 168 are as follows:

(40) perforated coated conductor 170100-600 microns

(41) oxygen-permeable sheet 17250-400 microns

(42) biofilm growth support 17610-50 microns

(43) mechanical support layer 178100-2000 microns

(44) Three alternative embodiments of the embodiment of the cathode shown in enlargement 168 are illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C. In FIG. 4A, the perforated conductor 170 is in the form of a wire grid comprising wires 180, all of which are coated by a liquid impermeable electrically conductive coating 182, as seen in enlargement 184. In FIG. 4B, the perforated conductor 170 includes a perforated planar metal element 186, all of whose surfaces are coated by a liquid impermeable electrically conductive coating 188 as seen in enlargement 190. In FIG. 4C, the perforated conductor 170 is in the form of a generally parallel array of wires 192 all of which are coated by a liquid impermeable electrically conductive coating 194, as seen in enlargement 196.

(45) As seen in FIG. 1, all of the anodes 100 and all of the cathodes 102 are electrically coupled in an electrical circuit across a load 197. In the bacterial fuel cell of FIG. 1, organic matter in the liquid 104, indicated as COD is oxidized by electrogenic bacteria, such as Geobacter and Shewanella, which typically reside in a biofilm 198, which preferably is supported by biofilm growth support 116 (enlargement 109) which is provided on the anodes 100.

(46) This oxidation yields CO.sub.2, protons and electrons. The protons diffuse through the liquid 104 towards cathodes 102 and the electrons are supplied by the bacteria to the anodes 100 and travel from the anodes through the electrical circuit to the cathodes 102.

(47) In the cathodes 102 atmospheric oxygen O.sub.2 permeates through the oxygen permeable layers, such as layer 140 (Enlargement 128) or 172 (Enlargement 168), to a conductive plastic layer on the cathode such as layer 132 (Enlargement 128) or 172 (Enlargement 168). At the water facing side of the conductive plastic layer the oxygen O.sub.2 reacts with the protons and the electrons to produce water H.sub.2O. This reaction typically requires catalysis which is preferably provided by a biofilm 199, which preferably is supported by biofilm growth support 136 (enlargement 128) or 176 (enlargement 168), preferably provided on the cathodes 102.

(48) The operation of the bacterial fuel cell of FIG. 1 may thus be appreciated to provide both electrical power and purification of liquids having organic material therein.

(49) Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which are simplified side and top view illustrations of a bacterial fuel cell constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention and including a multiplicity of anodes 300, interspersed among a multiplicity of cathodes 302 in liquid communication with a liquid 304 to be purified, such as industrial waste water. The anodes 300 and cathodes 302 are located in a tank 306 having an inlet 308 for receipt of water to be purified and an outlet 309 for output of purified water. Circulation of water 304 in tank 306 is preferably provided by a suitable agitator or pump (not shown). Low pressure atmospheric oxygen O.sub.2 is preferably blown through the interior of cathodes 302 by a fan (not shown).

(50) Reference is also made to FIG. 6 which illustrates a preferred embodiment of an anode 300 useful in the bacterial fuel cell of FIGS. 5A and 5B. As seen in FIG. 6 a central elongate metal conductor 310, preferably a wire, cable or rod formed of copper or aluminum is molded into and extends outwardly from a radially extending multiple vane element 312 such that element 312 provides a liquid-impermeable electrically conductive coating for conductor 310. Optionally additional elongate conductors 314 may be molded into and extend outwardly from radially outward ends of one or more vanes 316 of element 312 such that element 312 provides a liquid-impermeable electrically conductive coating for conductors 314. Element 312 is preferably formed of a liquid-impermeable conductive plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PET, which is compounded with a conductive powder, such as carbon or graphite.

(51) A circumferential electrode portion 318 is preferably located about the radially outward ends of vanes 316 and is preferably formed as a loosely wound helical element, of conductive plastic, which allows relatively free communication of liquid with surfaces of element 312. Preferably, element 312 and circumferential electrode portion 318 are formed as a unitary element by an extrusion process. Optionally some or all of the surfaces of element 312 and of electrode portion 318 are coated with a conductive powder or conductive fibers (not shown) formed of carbon or graphite. The surfaces of element 312 and of electrode portion 318 preferably all serve to support biofilm growth and to enable generation of electricity and purification of liquid 304.

(52) Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which illustrates an electrode assembly which is useful, inter alia, as an anode 300 in the bacterial fuel cell of FIGS. 5A and 5B. As seen in FIG. 7, the electrode assembly preferably comprises a brush-like structure wherein a multiplicity of elongate conductive elements 350 are retained by and extend generally radially outwardly from a twisted metal electrical conductor 352 which is coated with a liquid-impermeable electrically conductive coating 354, preferably electrically conductive plastic. Preferably, electrically conductive plastic is formed by compounding a plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PET with a conductive powder, such as carbon or graphite.

(53) Elements 350 are preferably formed of a conductive plastic or alternatively may be graphite fibers. Twisted conductor 352 is preferably formed of a metal such as copper or aluminum. The surfaces of coated conductor 352 and of elements 350 preferably all serve to support biofilm growth and to enable generation of electricity and purification of liquid 304 when conductor 352 is connected to an electrical load as illustrated.

(54) Preferably, the radially outer tips of elements 350 may be coated with an electrically insulative material (not shown), such as a silicon rubber material, in order to prevent inadvertent short circuiting between adjacent electrodes.

(55) Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which illustrates a preferred cathode 302 useful in the bacterial fuel cell of FIGS. 5A and 5B. Cathode 302 preferably comprises a cylinder 360 formed of a perforated or porous electrically conductive plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PET, which is compounded with a conductive powder, such as carbon or graphite. Optionally some or all of the surface of cylinder 360 is coated with a conductive powder or conductive fibers (not shown) formed of carbon or graphite. The surface of cylinder 360 preferably serves to support biofilm growth and to enable generation of electricity and purification of liquid 304.

(56) An exterior surface of cathode 302 is permeated by liquid 304 and an interior surface of cathode 302 is sealed from contact with liquid 304 by a liquid-impermeable, oxygen permeable coating 362 formed alongside an interior surface of cylinder 360. Coating 362 is preferably formed of silicone rubber. One or more elongate metal conductors 364, preferably a wire, cable or rod formed of copper or aluminum are preferably molded into and extend outwardly from cylinder 360 such that cylinder 360 provides a liquid-impermeable electrically conductive coating for conductors 364.

(57) As seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B, all of the anodes 300 and all of the cathodes 302 are electrically coupled in an electrical circuit across a load 320. In the bacterial fuel cell of FIGS. 5A and 5B, organic matter in the liquid 304, indicated as COD is oxidized by electrogenic bacteria, such as Geobacter and Shewanella, which typically reside in a biofilm 370 which is supported on the anodes 300.

(58) This oxidation yields CO.sub.2, protons and electrons. The protons diffuse through the liquid 304 towards cathodes 302 and the electrons are supplied by the bacteria to the anodes 300 and travel from the anodes 300 through the electrical circuit to the cathodes 302.

(59) In the cathodes 302 atmospheric oxygen O.sub.2 permeates through the oxygen permeable layer, such as layer 362 (FIG. 8), to a conductive plastic layer on the cathode such as layer 360. At the water facing side of the conductive plastic layer 360, oxygen O.sub.2 reacts with the protons and the electrons to produce water H.sub.2O. This reaction typically requires catalysis which is preferably provided by a biofilm 372, preferably residing on the cathode 302.

(60) The operation of the bacterial fuel cell of FIGS. 5A and 5B may thus be appreciated to provide both electrical power and purification of liquids having organic material therein.

(61) It is appreciated that multiple ones of the bacterial fuel cells of the types shown and described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1-8 may be interconnected both hydraulically and electrically in series and/or parallel. Parallel interconnection increases the volume of water which is purified and provides increased current output, while series interconnection increases the extent of purification and provides increased voltage output. Various combinations of parallel and series connections may be advantageously utilized to provide optimal water treatment and electrical power production.

(62) Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A and 9B, which are respective simplified side and top view illustrations of a bacterial electrolysis cell constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(63) The bacterial electrolysis cell of FIGS. 9A and 9B including a multiplicity of anodes 400, interspersed among a multiplicity of cathodes 402 in liquid communication with a liquid 404 to be purified, such as industrial waste water. The anodes 400 and cathodes 402 are located in a tank 406 having an inlet 408 for receipt of water to be purified and an outlet 409 for output of purified water. Circulation of water 404 in tank 406 is preferably provided by a suitable agitator or pump (not shown).

(64) It is appreciated that the anodes 400 and the cathodes 402 may be structurally identical, as shown. In such a case, the anodes 400 and the cathodes 402 are differentiated from each other only by virtue of their electrical connection. Accordingly, the anodes 400 and the cathodes 402 may each be of the type shown in FIGS. 2A-2D or the type shown in FIG. 6 or the type shown in FIG. 7, or of any other suitable construction. Preferably, the anodes 400 are of the type shown in FIG. 6 and the cathodes are of the type shown in FIG. 7 or vice versa.

(65) As seen in FIGS. 9A and 9B, all of the anodes 400 and all of the cathodes 402 are electrically coupled in an electrical circuit across an electrical power source 420. In the bacterial electrolysis cell of FIGS. 9A and 9B, organic matter in the liquid 404, indicated as COD, is oxidized by electrogenic bacteria, such as Geobacter and Shewanella, which typically reside in a biofilm 430 which is supported on the anodes 400.

(66) This oxidation yields CO.sub.2, protons and electrons. The protons diffuse through the liquid 404 towards cathodes 402 and the electrons are supplied by the bacteria to the anodes 400 and travel from the anodes through the electrical circuit to the cathodes 402.

(67) In the cathodes 402 the protons are reduced to hydrogen gas H2 by the electrons driven by the electrical power source 420 through the electrical circuit. The hydrogen gas and the CO.sub.2 are accumulated within a head space defined by a cover 440 overlying tank 406 and are drawn off at an outlet 442 and separated in a suitable manner.

(68) The operation of the bacterial electrolysis cell of FIGS. 9A and 9B may thus be appreciated to provide hydrogen gas production at lower levels of electricity consumption than conventional processes as well as purification of liquids having organic material therein.

(69) It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.