BIOCHEMICAL FUEL CELLS.

Abstract

Investigation of the formic acid bioanode using E. coli as the biological catalyst was continued. The effect of varying the pH and ionic strength of the supporting anolyte, the number of bacteria, and the addition of methylene blue are reported. Attempts to inhibit the formation of the hydrogenlyase system, which degrades the formic acid, in E. coli were largely unsuccessful. However, a new organism, Pseudomonas formicans, was substituted. This organism carries out a mixed acid fermentation similar to that of E. coli, but is not capable of producing a hydrogenlyase system. Preliminary bioelectrochemical studies with this organism in an integrated cell, have produced current densities of 5 mA/sq cm at a polarization of only 0.26 volt. (Author)XGA;)I)')EE

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 31, 1964
Accession Number
AD0602364

Entities

People

  • J. J. Cavallo

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bacteria
  • Catalysts
  • Cells
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Current Density
  • Electronics
  • Fermentation
  • Formic Acid
  • Fuel Cells
  • Methylene Blue
  • Methylenes
  • Organic Compounds
  • Polarization
  • Redox Indicators

Readers

  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Microbial Pathology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology