Evaluación del potencial energético de residuos de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) por medio de celdas de combustible microbiano (CCM)

The main objective of this research study was to assess the energy potential of cocoa residues (pod and mucilage) as a direct energy source. Three dilutions were made per substrate. Crushed pod (< 0.5 mm) diluted in 1:25 (1.20 g), 1:50 (0.60 g), and 1:100 (0.30 g). Mucilage diluted in 1:4 (25%), 1:8 (12.50%), and 1:16 (6.25%). Measurements were performed in microbial fuel cells in three periods: acclimatization (one period) and electrical performance (two periods). During the third period, the highest electrical performance was observed in the 1.20 g pod dilution (voltage: 726 mV; power density: 11.75 mW / m2; coulombic efficiency: 0.33%) and in the 12.50% mucilage dilution (voltage: 474 mV; density power: 6.52 mW / m2; coulombic efficiency: 0.01%). It is concluded that the dilutions of pod (1.20 g) and mucilage (12.50%) showed the highest energy potential.