Nanocellulose Film as a Novel Proton Exchange Membrane for Application in Microbial Fuel Cell

Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are an innovative device in which the chemical energy stored in the organic waste can be efficiently converted to bioelectricity with the assistance of the metabolic catalysis by microorganisms. The membrane has a high influence on the performance of the MFC because a large portion of internal resistance of MFC is owed to the membrane. Cellulosic nanofibers have various characteristics among them; low thermal expansion, high aspect ratio, good optical and mechanical properties, high strengthening effect, renewability and biodegradability. Upon the use in MFC, nanocellulose film had a high power density of 136mW/m2, Compared to Nafion (control) with power density of 74mW/m2 at the same experiment condition. Nanocellulose film shows a high potential for application as a proton exchange membrane in MFC.