Desalination of an Aqueous Solution of Heavy Metals by Using a Plant Fuel Cell Based on Photosynthesis
Résumé
The world is nowadays facing a serious problem of environmental pollution and energy. The bio-photovoltaics (BPVs) is an advanced green alternative energy and an interesting area of research that attracts many researchers considering its innovative nature and potential applications. In this context, a plant Biofuel cell (PBFC) has been conceived for the production of electricity by using photosynthesis. Both the bioanode and biocathode were dipped inside a container full of garden soil, in which the plant "Crassula Ovata" was planted. The cathode was placed at the edge of the container, whereas the bioanode was placed close to the roots of the plant. The production of the electricity was achieved at the bioanode by the oxidation of the organic matter (glucose resulting from the photosynthesis) by means of the microorganisms present in the garden soil. The plant acted as stimulant for the microorganisms via photosynthesis, while the photosynthesis oxygen O 2 was reduced at the cathode. The performance of the PBFC has been observed in different lighting conditions and in absence of the plant. The results obtained so far, showed that photosynthesis is an effective stimulant for the performance of the PBFC (the power density in the brightest lighting condition is 2.5fold than in the absence of light). Furthermore, this bio-This preprint research paper has not been peer reviewed. Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5056050 P r e p r i n t n o t p e e r r e v i e w e d electrochemical process struggled from the electron transport issue due to the lack in performance at the bioanode. Hence, an adequate amplification system composed of an operational amplifier, a solar photovoltaic panel and a boost direct current converter was employed to improve the low electric energy production to reach the output voltage 2670mV against 91mV without amplification. The performance of the bio-electrochemical device was tested in the desalination of an aqueous solution containing heavy metals via electrodialysis using the amplified energy.The electrodialysis (ED) achieved 28.75 % after three hours, which is quite interesting considering the PBFC's bioenergy output.
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