Two researchers, Logan and Shaoan Cheng use naturally occurring bacteria in microbial electrolysis cell with acetic acid the acid found in vinegar. Acetic acid is also the predominant acid produced by fermentation of glucose or cellulose. The anode was granulated graphite, the cathode was carbon with platinum catalyst, they used an off-the-shelf anion exchange membrane.
The bacteria eats the acetic acid and release electrons and protons creating up to 0.3 volts. When more than 0.2 volts are added from an outside source, hydrogen gas bubbles up from the liquid.
The process produces 288 percent more energy in hydrogen that electrical energy that is added to the process.
Works at 23-56% efficiency, extracting hydrogen from sugar-based crops, that conventional hydrogen production methods are only at 70% efficiency. Logan is also developing systems to harness bacteria-produced electricity directly from animal wastewater and further using the byproducts to generate even more energy.
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