A microbial fuel cell capable of converting glucose to electricity at high rate and efficiency.

A microbial fuel cell containing a mixed bacterial culture utilizing glucose as carbon source was enriched to investigate power output in relation to glucose dosage. Electron recovery in terms of electricity up to 89% occurred for glucose feeding rates in the range 0.5-3 g l(-1) d(-1), at powers up to 3.6 W m(-2) of electrode surface, a five fold higher power output than reported thus far. This research indicates that microbial electricity generation offers perspectives for optimization.