Comparison of Electrode Binder between Olive Oil and Palm Oil on Microbial Fuel Cell Performance
Sri Suhartini*, Muhammad Alim Perdana, Nur Hidayat

Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, University of Brawijaya Jalan Veteran 10-11, Malang City 65145, Indonesia
*Email: ssuhartini[at]ub.ac.id

Abstract

Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a bioelectrochemical technology that utilizes microorganism activity to convert organic materials into electrical energy, with performance evaluated through power density parameters by measuring current and voltage at specific resistance. This research evaluated the effect of different binders in electrode fabrication using activated carbon from oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) on MFC performance using tofu wastewater as substrate. EFB activated carbon serves as electrode material due to its porous properties from carbonization and activation processes, while binders strengthen structural stability and improve electrical conductivity for enhanced electron transfer efficiency. The study compared natural binders between olive oil and palm oil to determine the best electrode binder for optimal MFC performance. The measurement of optimum MFC current and power is performed by periodic polarization using a decade resistor box. Results concluded that palm oil binder producing superior performance compared to olive oil binders based on power density, voltage, current density.

Keywords: EFB Activated Carbon- Electrode Binder Types- Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC)

Topic: Renewable energy and biorefinery