Energy extraction from seaweed under low temperatures by using an alkaline fuel cell

Marine macroalgae are considered to be one of the most important biomass sources. They can grow rapidly under various conditions, leading to extensive algal blooms. In this work, a reusable solid-acid catalyst, silicotungstic acid, was used to treat the seaweed Enteromorpha prolifera. Under optimum conditions, 237.354 mg/g (23.735%) of total reducing sugar yield was obtained. The hydrolysate was used as the substrate for bioenergy production in an alkaline fuel cell, and the fuel cell achieved the maximum power density of 6.616 W/m² under the condition of 3 M KOH and 8.572 mg/mL reducing sugar in hydrolysate, which is higher than any other reported algae-fed fuel cells.