Booth Id:
CHEM033
Category:
Chemistry
Year:
2026
Finalist Names:
Pinto Garriga, Jonuel (School: Dr. Pedro Albizu Campus)
Abstract:
The search for renewable energy sources is an important focus of modern research due to
challenges such as climate change and the reduction of fossil fuels. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs)
are considered a promising alternative for electricity generation through the bioelectrochemical
oxidation of organic matter by exoelectrogens. However, electrode-related factors, such as charge
transfer resistance and electrode geometry, can significantly affect the overall performance of the
system. This study evaluates the effect of three-dimensional electrode geometry on electron
transfer using electrochemical analysis. Two electrodes were constructed: one with a smooth
surface and another with an internal surface geometry. Both electrodes were designed in
SolidWorks and fabricated using conductive PLA. Their performance was analyzed using cyclic
voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Both electrodes exhibited
double-layer capacitance (Cdl) in the µF cm?² range, consistent with values reported for PLA
based electrodes. The smooth electrode showed a higher Cdl value of 9.4 × 10?? F/cm², while the
electrode with internal surface showed a lower value of 1.2 × 10?? F/cm². Impedance results
indicated that the electrode with internal geometry had higher resistance to current flow, suggesting
structural limitations. In contrast, smooth electrode showed lower impedance and a response
similar to a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), indicating more efficient electron transfer. Results suggest that smooth electrode geometries allow better electron transfer, even with lower surface area. In contrast, the other design with complex internal structures may increase resistance due to higher tortuosity, negatively affecting electron transport.
Awards Won: