a research team at michigan technological university is developing a new type of marine microbial fuel cell that can continuously generate electricity by directly utilizing natural organic matter and indigenous bacteria in seawater, providing a long-lasting, maintenance-free power solution for underwater sensors.
traditional underwater monitoring devices typically rely on disposable chemical batteries, which not only have limited lifespans but also require frequent vessel deployments for retrieval and replacement, resulting in high operational costs. to address this issue, the research team has turned to a bioelectrochemical approach—building a fuel cell system that uses living microorganisms as “catalysts.” this battery enriches naturally occurring electroactive bacterial communities in seawater, oxidizing organic matter at the anode and releasing electrons. these electrons are then conducted through an external circuit to the cathode, where they react with dissolved oxygen in the water, producing a stable electric current.
to enhance bacterial adhesion and electron transfer efficiency, the team innovatively employs high-surface-area activated carbon as the anode substrate, significantly promoting the rapid formation and long-term stability of conductive biofilms. the prototype system has already undergone continuous 30-day field testing in the real-world marine environment of chesapeake bay, operating autonomously throughout and delivering consistent performance. in the next phase, the team plans to integrate a ten-cell stack for large-scale validation, aiming to achieve uninterrupted, zero‑human‑intervention operation of underwater sensor systems for up to 12 months.
