Session 2012-2013 - Closing Date 30 March 2012
Network Title: Interdisciplinary Centre for Microbial Fuel Cells (ICMFC)
A widely accepted limitation of MFC devices is their low power output (< 6 W m-2 or < 500 W m-3). One of the main limitations of the power output is the slow electron transfer (ET) from the microbes to the anode of the MFC.
Biofilm-electrode interactions have so far rarely been addressed in MFCs. Naturally, an anode has to be used that is capable for a biofilm to adhere to, but the structure of the anode surface is not often optimised for electron transfer deep into the biofilm. It is thus timely to investigate how to improve the (ET) kinetics between the organisms in the biofilm and the electrode.
Objectives
We will aim to improve the power output of MFC by increasing the electron conductivity of the extracellular matrix in the biofilm using pre-synthesised metallic nanoparticles (NPs) and nanowires (NWs). The NPs/NWs will aid "direct ET? by enhancing the electron transfer from the electron transfer proteins in the (outer) membrane of the microbes to the electrodes. By modifying NPs/NWs, the affinity between the particles and the microbe's outer membrane will be optimised. The project complements the York project (which relies on in situ self-assembly of nanostructures in MFCs) and will benefit from the Sheffield's expertise in MFC devices.
Resource and facilities available
The nanostructures will be prepared in close collaboration with the York group. The ET kinetics between microorganism and electrode will be measured using electrochemistry. In the lab of Lars Jeuken a suite of state-of-the-art potentiostats (4 in total) is present for the electrochemical characterisation. His lab is also equipped for the growth of bacteria. To analyse the biofilm on the electrode, Lars Jeuken works closely with the School of Physics, where a range of state-of-the-art surface spectroscopic equipment is available including X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), ellipsometry and a suite of atomic force microscopes (AFM).
Training provision for student
For the research-specific training skills (besides training in the lab), the Jeuken group makes use of a series of European Master Classes, such as a annual FEBS course 'Metals in Biology' and UK course in Electrochemistry given in Bath. An additional Master Class in MFC will be sought for this project. Not only are these course very valuable in teaching a range of skills to the PhD students, it brings the students in contact with peers across Europe. These contacts are frequently found to be valuable in the future career of our academic and industrial scientists. For complementary skill training, the PhD student will make use of the wide variety of training opportunities provided by the Staff and Departmental Development Unit (SDDU) at the University of Leeds.
For more information contact Dr Lars Jeuken (l.j.c.jeuken@leeds.ac.uk)
Further information on the application procedure can be found at: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/postgraduate_scholarships/wrs.
