Effect of anode diffusion layer (GDL) on the performance of a passive direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC)

One of the most significant obstacles for passive direct methanol fuel cells is the methanol crossover, since methanol diffuses through the membrane generating heat but no power. This can be reduced if the cell operates with low methanol concentrations. However, this significantly reduces the energy density of the system since a large amount of water is presented on the anode side that will produce no power. Also, water crosses the membrane towards the cathode flooding it and reducing the cel...

The effects of light and temperature on microalgal growth and nutrient removal: an experimental and mathematical approach

Cultivation of microalgae and cyanobacteria has been intensified in the last decades, due to the numerous applications described for these microorganisms. However, the high process costs associated with biomass production systems reduce the economic feasibility of microalgal/cyanobacterial cultivation. A better understanding of the effects of light and temperature on growth kinetics will contribute to the improvement of biomass productivities and reduce the costs associated with the optimizat...

Biotechnological potential of Synechocystis salina co-cultures with selected microalgae and cyanobacteria: Nutrients removal, biomass and lipid production

Cultivation of microalgae and cyanobacteria has been the focus of several research studies worldwide, due to the huge biotechnological potential of these photosynthetic microorganisms. However, production of these microorganisms is still not economically viable. One possible alternative to improve the economic feasibility of the process is the use of consortia between microalgae and/or cyanobacteria. In this study, Chlorella vulgaris, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Microcystis aeruginosa...

Atmospheric CO2 capture by algae: Negative carbon dioxide emission path

Carbon dioxide is one of the most important greenhouse gas, which concentration increase in the atmosphere is associated to climate change and global warming. Besides CO2 capture in large emission point sources, the capture of this pollutant from atmosphere may be required due to significant contribution of diffuse sources. The technologies that remove CO2 from atmosphere (creating a negative balance of CO2) are called negative emission technologies. Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage ...