Science Daily Article. Link posted by Terry Blanton:
"In their paper, the researchers explain that hydrogen production by bacterial fermentation is currently limited by the "fermentation barrier" -- the fact that bacteria, without a power boost, can only convert carbohydrates to a limited amount of hydrogen and a mixture of "dead end" fermentation end products such as acetic and butyric acids.However, giving the bacteria a small assist with a tiny amount of electricity -- about 0.25 volts or a small fraction of the voltage needed to run a typical 6 volt cell phone -- they can leap over the fermentation barrier and convert a "dead end" fermentation product, acetic acid, into carbon dioxide and hydrogen."
Acetic acid ( vinegar, CH3-CO-OH) is the primary "fatty acid" produced in the rumen of cattle and other ruminants, along with some butyric etc.
Fuel cell or bacterial oxidation of Ethanol forms Acetic acid and water (CH3 - CH2OH) + O2 ----> CH3-CO-OH + H2O.
So.. The MFC can be modified to run on Biomass-derived Ethanol, too.
Frederick
