Abstract：2 litters modularized biocathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with microbial separator (MS) were designed and constructed for raw wastewater treatment in continuous flow mode, while the designed functions of MS were systemically investigated during the long-term operation. It was observed that the restriction of electrode reaction by electrolyte properties could be avoided by mature biofilm developed in MS, while the DO concentration could be well controlled below 0.5mg/L in anode chamber and COD concentration was also below 50mg/L in cathode chamber. Besides, the pH value between anode and cathode was also balanced by the ionic across-separator transfer. The low ionic strength of cathode may be caused by rapid aerobic metabolism process, while the difference of ionic across-separator concentration represented the great separating function of MS between anode and cathode chamber. In summary, the stable operation of MFC was attributed to the well-controlled COD, DO, and ionic cross-separator transfer. Furthermore, the technical and economic advantages of microbial separator were discussed and reviewed for pilot-scale application of MFC, which showed significant engineering meaning of practical application for microbial electrochemical equipment.
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