Plastic waste and non-renewable energy production represent two of the most pressing global challenges. This project introduces P2E (Plastic-to-Electricity), a novel system that utilizes plastic-fed microbial fuel cells (P-MFCs) to simultaneously degrade plastic waste and generate carbon-neutral electrical energy.

Unlike conventional waste-to-energy technologies that rely on high-temperature thermochemical processes, P2E leverages microbial metabolism to overcome thermodynamic barriers associated with heterogeneous and contaminated plastic feedstock. Microbial consortia, including species such as Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis, are capable of forming biofilms on plastic surfaces. These bacterial communities secrete enzymes that depolymerize plastics into smaller organic compounds, which are subsequently metabolized. During this metabolic activity, electrons are released as part of cellular respiration. Electrodes in the system, such as carbon cloth, capture this electron flow, generating a measurable electrical current independent of whether the microorganisms are traditionally electrogenic.

Over 30 fuel cells were constructed and tested using combinations of the bacterial strains listed above and plastic substrates (either PET or PP) under room-temperature conditions. Many iterations of the the system achieved sustained voltages exceeding 1.0 V, demonstrating proof-of-concept viability. Over 1g of plastic was metabolized to produce a sustained volt of electricity over the course of two weeks in a small system the size of a smartphone. Biofilm formation and microbial activity were confirmed using fluorescence microscopy, indicating active metabolic interaction with the plastic substrate. While measurable mass loss of plastic remains under investigation, ongoing experiments aim to quantify long-term degradation rates.

The system’s novelty lies in its ability to process mixed and contaminated plastic feedstock without preprocessing, enabled by the adaptive metabolic diversity of microbial communities. Additionally, P-MFCs operate at ambient temperature, significantly reducing capital and operational costs compared to traditional waste-to-energy plants. The dual capability of these fuel cells to eliminate plastic waste and generate electricity makes these fuel cells Modular reactor design allows for scalable deployment, reducing upfront infrastructure requirements and enabling faster payback periods.

P2E systems can be deployed in landfills, recycling centers, and decentralized waste management facilities, transforming waste streams into distributed energy sources. Manufacturing involves low-cost materials such as carbon electrodes, polymer chambers, and scalable bioreactor modules, making production economically feasible.

By integrating waste remediation with energy generation, P2E represents a paradigm shift in sustainable engineering, transforming plastic from an environmental liability into a renewable energy resource.