Microbial fuel cells, or MFCs, are fuel cells that use biochemical reactions to generate electricity. Anaerobic bacteria grow at the anode, and in turn, electrons move from the anode to the cathode, which generates a current. At the cathode, electrons interact with air and protons to release water and carbon dioxide. Microbial fuel allows for the simultaneous treatment of wastewater and the generation of electricity.

Dr. Jose Lozano of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (IAWWTF) tasked our team with the goal of collecting energy from an MFC array he designed. The MFC array had a relatively low power output, so the Research and Development team created a power harvesting and boosting system for the cells. The team faced interesting challenges, such as dealing with submerged cells as power sources.

Ultimately, the team successfully completed soldering the headers/IC components, integrated the circuit onto the breadboard, and tested each component of the circuit. Additionally, a water-proof casing was designed and 3D printed to hold the circuit. Unfortunately, due to the obsolescence of a critical charge pump IC, the circuit was only able to drive enough power to light up a few LEDs. However, an extensive report on the team's design was given to the IAWWTF with the physical prototype still usable for future members.