Fuel cells that use bacteria on the seabed could eliminate expensive battery replacement and keep submerged sensors working for much longer.

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 12/05/2026 at 00:30

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Michigan Tech researchers advance microbial fuel cells capable of generating electricity in the ocean using dissolved organic matter, with tests already conducted in Chesapeake and Galveston bays to extend the autonomy of underwater sensors used in ecological monitoring and naval defense.

Underwater sensors will be able to remain active longer with microbial fuel cells developed at Michigan Tech. The system generates electricity from organic matter in seawater and is part of DARPA’s BLUE program.

The project seeks self-recharging underwater power for ocean sensors. Today, systems rely on batteries, which require expensive recovery and replacement operations.

Fuel cells use bacteria

The Michigan Tech team is testing microbial fuel cells, also called MFCs. They use bacteria to convert dissolved organic matter and microscopic marine biomass into electrical current.

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Microorganisms transform matter into current

Microbial fuel cells work with bacteria that naturally transfer electrons during metabolism. In the Michigan Tech system, these electrons move between an anode and a cathode, creating an electrical current.

One challenge is the low presence of organic matter in ocean water. This concentration is lower than in environments where MFCs are typically used, such as wastewater treatment plants.

Another obstacle lies in high levels of marine oxygen. This oxygen interferes with the energy generation process carried out by microorganisms.

To improve performance, researchers used granulated activated carbon in tubular fuel cells. The material concentrates organic matter and provides a surface for microbes to form biofilms.

With biofilms, microorganisms continue generating electricity even in oxygen-rich conditions. Marcarelli explained that microbes move electrons in their metabolic processes, allowing them to be transferred from an anode to a cathode.

Prototypes gain stackable modules

The team redesigned the system to increase energy efficiency and simplify deployment. The latest versions use modular and stackable units, with individual pumps and plates.

The updated prototypes were evaluated in Galveston Bay. Three of the four units tested successfully generated power during underwater tests.

The system was designed to operate fully submerged. It does not rely on surface wave energy or human maintenance during operation.

This configuration can allow ocean sensors to remain active longer in remote environments. The proposal meets the demand for long-lasting underwater monitoring.

New deployment evaluates prolonged operation

The team created predictive models using remote sensing and environmental data. The goal is to estimate where microbial fuel cells could generate sufficient power in global coastal regions.

Michael Sayers stated that the work combines remote sensing, field data, laboratory data, and actual MFC deployment experiments. This integration guides performance evaluation.

The researchers are preparing a larger deployment in Chesapeake Bay, with 10 microbial fuel cells. The goal is to study prolonged performance and estimate whether the systems can sustain annual underwater operations.

Fuel cells that use bacteria on the seabed could eliminate expensive battery replacement and keep submerged sensors working for much longer.

Michigan Tech researchers advance microbial fuel cells capable of generating electricity in the ocean using dissolved organic matter, with tests already conducted in Chesapeake and Galveston bays to extend the autonomy of underwater sensors used in ecological monitoring and naval defense.

Fuel cells use bacteria

Microorganisms transform matter into current

Prototypes gain stackable modules

New deployment evaluates prolonged operation

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Fuel cells that use bacteria on the seabed could eliminate expensive battery replacement and keep submerged sensors working for much longer.

Michigan Tech researchers advance microbial fuel cells capable of generating electricity in the ocean using dissolved organic matter, with tests already conducted in Chesapeake and Galveston bays to extend the autonomy of underwater sensors used in ecological monitoring and naval defense.

Fuel cells use bacteria

Microorganisms transform matter into current

Prototypes gain stackable modules

New deployment evaluates prolonged operation

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