• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.1120-1128
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• 2004

The SCBFC was composed of bilayered cathode, the outside of which was modified with $Fe^{3+}$ (graphite-Fe(III) cathode) and the inside of which was porcelain membrane, and of an anode which was modified with $Mn^{4+}$ (graphite­Mn(lV) anode). The graphite-Fe(III), graphite-Mn(IV), and porcelain membrane were designed to have micropores. The outside of the cathode was exposed to the atmosphere and the inside was contacted with porcelain membrane. In all SCBFCS the graphite-Fe(III) was used as a cathode, and graphite-Mn(IV) and normal graphite were used as anodes, for comparison of the function between normal graphite and graphite-Mn(IV) anode. The potential difference between graphite-Mn(IV) anode and graphite-Fe(III) cathode was about 0.3 volt, which is the source for the electron driving force from anode to cathode. In chemical fuel cells composed of the graphite-Mn(IV) anode and graphite-Fe(III) cathode, a current of maximal 13 mA was produced coupled to oxidation of NADH to $NAD^{+}$ the current was not produced in SCBFC with normal graphite anode. When growing and resting cells of E. coli were applied to the SCBFC with graphite-Mn(IV) anode, the electricity production and substrate consumption were 6 to 7 times higher than in the SCBFC with normal graphite anode, and when we applied anaerobic sewage sludge to SCBFC with graphite-Mn(IV) anode, the electricity production and substrate consumption were 3 to 5 times higher than in the SCBFC with normal graphite anode. These results suggest that useful electric energy might possibly be produced from SCBFC without electron mediators, electrode-active bacteria, and extra energy consumption for the aeration of catholyte, but with wastewater as a fuel.