The aim of the project was to provide full experimental proof-of-concept that stand-alone power generation based on microbial fuel cells (MFCs) operated on human feces from pit latrines as substrate can be achieved. Thereby, the establishment of these eLatrines was based on MFC-technology and the components were to be gained from low-cost materials and through low-tech approaches. For the latter the system was to be developed so as to utilize as many components as possible that can be produced by non-trained persons in decentralized areas for example in developing countries, e.g. the cardboard based electrodes. This presentation summarizes achievements and the lessons learned for i) electrodes gained from corrugated cardboard to be used as anodes and cathodes; ii) anodes being operated using real human feces as substrate; iii) cathodes – with nitrogen functionalities derived from (artificial) urine and based on corrugated cardboard - for oxygen reduction reaction activity; iv) pre-tests on using vent-air from ovens/ fireplaces for allowing low-tech carbonization of corrugated cardboard, v) the operation of the described components in a combined approach under potentiostatic control as well as in fuel cell mode.

In summary, we will show that the overall concept of a stand-alone power generation from human feces in urine can become technically feasible as well as economically and societal relevant. However, the achieved current densities of less than 100 µA/ cm² (geometric surface area) as well as challenges due to the operation with real, highly inhomogeneous substrates like clogging of electrodes’ pores, formation of insulating fat layers at cathodes, etc. highlight the need for a thorough process engineering.