In MFC, the medium is just added to the anode chamber, is there any buffer to be added in this chamber other than the bacteriological media?
Phosphate buffer solution has been commonly used in MFC studies to maintain a suitable pH for electricity generating bacteria and/or to increase the solution conductivity.
It was reported that the optimal pH was 7 for two chamber MFCs using phosphate as buffer. In the absence of buffer, the pH in anode and cathode chambers was changed from 7 to 5.4 and 9.5, respectively, resulting in a much lower power output.
Phosphate buffer solution has been commonly used in MFC studies to maintain a suitable pH for electricity generating bacteria and/or to increase the solution conductivity.
It was reported that the optimal pH was 7 for two chamber MFCs using phosphate as buffer. In the absence of buffer, the pH in anode and cathode chambers was changed from 7 to 5.4 and 9.5, respectively, resulting in a much lower power output.
Also for single chamber MFCs pH around 7 is suitable. In addition, for long term operation, to enhance anolyte buffering capacity, an amendment of the buffer solution should be done. When pH decreases to less than 4/5, it is time to amend. In alternative to PBS solution, you can use diluted Na2CO3 which contribute also to ion conductivity.
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