Conversion of biomass into bioenergy is possible via multiple pathways resulting in the production of biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower. Efficient and sustainable conversion of biomass, however, requires consideration of many environmental and societal parameters in order to minimize negative impacts. Integration of multiple conversion technologies and inclusion of upcoming alternatives, such...

Reactor staging is widely used in wastewater treatment where treatment norms are achieved by connecting two or more reactors in series. The first reactor operates at high carbon source loads and the last reactor performs the final polishing. Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are bioelectrochemical devices designed for direct electricity production from organic matter. Periodic connection of the MFC e...

The technology is based on microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which use microorganisms as catalysts to convert chemical energy to electrical energy. The paper’s authors, including Bruce Logan of Pennsylvania State University and Xiaoxin Cao of Tsinghua University (China), are among the small group of researchers worldwide trying to improve MFCs—or bioelectrochemical systems, as they are beginning to ...