An Innovative Corrosion Protection System using MFC Principles

Microbial Fuel Cell produces electricity by collecting the electrons released during the metabolism of bacteria.  By using special electrodes design, the energy contained in the natural environment is harvested.  MFC has advantages as energy source for sensors in unfavorable conditions such as marsh and marine environment.  This paper descrives an innovative method for corrosion protection using MFC principles.  It is based on emulating the principles of using sacrificial anode for corrosion protection.  The electrons released by bacteria while digesting food were collected and serve as a current source and electron donors on the protected metal structure.  Consequently, the corrosion potential on the protected structure is reduced.  A special energy storage device helps to save the energy and serve for longer term protection purpose.  This method is especially attractive for remote area, marsh and other marine environment