Progress and Recent Trends in Microbial Fuel Cells

Progress and Recent Trends in Microbial Fuel Cells provides an in-depth analysis of the fundamentals, working principles and advancements (including commercialization aspects) made in the field of MFC research, with critical analyses and opinions from experts around the world. In addition, special attention is given to the area of electrolyte membranes and membrane electrode assemblies for application in MFCs. As microbial fuel cells are emerging as potential alternative energy harnessing devices, and because polymeric membranes have been one of the most critical factors towards achieving this progress and multiple applications, this technology is extremely attractive and important.

• Reviews and compares MFCs with other alternative energy harnessing devices, particularly in comparison to other fuel cells
• Analyzes developments of electrolyte membranes, particularly polymer based, as a critical component of MFCs responsible for its present and future progress
• Includes commercial aspects of MFCs in terms of (i) generation of electricity, (ii) bio-hydrogen production, (iii) waste-water and sludge treatment and (iv) bio-sensing

Dr. Patit Paban Kundu is currently a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology - Roorkee, India, since 2016. After completing his B. Sc. In Chemistry (1986), and B. Tech. (1989) and M. Tech. (1992) in Plastics and Rubber Technology from University of Calcutta, he joined the group of Prof. D. K. Tripathy at the Indian Institute of Technology - Kharagpur's Rubber Technology Center for carrying out his doctoral research. Following his Ph. D. in 1997, he joined as a faculty in the Department of Chemical Technology, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, India. Then he joined as a Professor in the Department of Polymer Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, India, in 2008. He did his post-doctoral studies in South Korea at the Inha University with Prof. S. Choe (2001-2002) and at the Yonsei University with Prof. Y. G. Shul (2006), and in USA at the Iowa State University with Prof. R. C. Larock (2003). He is a Polymer chemist and technologist, and has been actively working in the field of fuel cells as one of his areas of expertise. Till date, he has published about 160 papers in peer-reviewed journals. He has also contributed to 8 book chapters and numerous conference proceedings. His interest in fuel cells include microbial, direct methanol and hydrogen fuel cells, and spans from finding novel materials for fabricating membranes, electrodes, catalysts and catalyst supports to designing of membrane electrode assemblies and flow channels. He has also successfully undertaken various national level projects in areas including microbial and direct methanol fuel cells.