About Mi-Hy

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) use living microbes to convert chemical energy stored in organic matter into electrical energy. It consists of anode and cathode compartements with a semi-permiebale membrane between them:

In the anode compartment, microorganisms oxidize organic compounds under anaerobic conditions, releasing electrons and protons. The electrons are collected by the anode material and transported via an external circuit, while protons and/or positively charged ions migrate internally through the membrane. At the cathode, electrons and protons recombine with oxygen to form water, completing the redox cycle.

Hydroponics is a soil-free cultivation method that grows plants in a nutrient-rich, water-based solution, often using inert substrates (like coconut coir or perlite) for mechanical support.

While each MFC produces low power, individual units can be connected in series to increase voltage, in parallel to boost current and as a combination, allowing tailored configurations for different uses. A small array of about ten cells is enough to power low‑energy devices such as environmental sensors, microcontrollers, LoRa communication nodes, and LEDs for continuous, ultra‑low‑power operation.

Big stacks can be used for autonomous lighting in remote areas: like in this school in Uganda.

Individual unit performance in labs reaches 0.5 V, however output varies depending on the dimensions and materials used. Usually MFCs are connected in several stacks of 20-24 units that can power devices or lights – see our partner’s collaboration with Glastonbury festival.

As wastewater is being digested by bacteria and protons flow through the membrane, catholyte accumulates in the catholyte chamber. It contains treated water and recycled organic compounds – mainly nitrogen, potassium and phosphate. Our tests have shown that lab-built MFCs efficiently filter out pathogens and microplastics.

Since the elements of Mi-Hy system (MFC modules, hydroponics) are scaleable, the application range is very wide: from industrial grade agriculture powered by municipal wastewater to a communal garden or a DIY household system.
While Mi-Hy focuses on optimising MFCs, finding strongest mix of bacteria and tuning the hydroponics to suit plant health and achieve highest energy effeciency – we also provide DIY tutorials for makers. Using accessible materials and not requiring special lab equipement they insure our technology reaches everyone, open for new tweaks and configurations.