Energy From Waste: Opportunities and Barriers in Microbial Fuel Cell Technology

ABSTRACT Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bioelectrochemical systems that generate electricity by oxidizing organic matter through microbial metabolism, offering a sustainable solution for energy and waste management. This review summarizes MFC fundamentals, covering key components (anode, cathode, separator) and electron transfer processes. It outlines advancements in MFC designs from lab‐scale chambers to sediment, plant‐based, and miniaturized systems and discusses factors influencing performance such as substrate, pH, temperature, and materials. Applications in wastewater treatment, energy production, and environmental sensing are highlighted. Despite progress, challenges like low power output, high costs, and internal resistance persist. Future research should focus on innovative materials, microbial community engineering, and system optimization to enhance efficiency and scalability of MFC technology.