This award funds partial support of a symposium on microbial fuel cells (MFC) and bioenergy. The symposium is to be held on the main campus of Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA, May 27-29, 2008. MFCs offer a promising new method of bioenergy production by directly converting chemical energy in organic matter into electricity. With slight modifications, and a small energy input (1/10th that used for water hydrolysis), pure hydrogen gas can alternatively be produced (microbial electrolysis cells or MECs). MFC/MEC student and faculty researchers and other interested parties (such as companies) will be brought together for a symposium completely dedicated to the topic of MFC/MEC research. Attendance of approximately 150 participants from a wide variety of backgrounds from all around the world is anticipated. Support is requested primarily for travel expenses for MFC/MEC researchers and their students.
