The Penn State device is a hybrid one, comprised of two fundamental pieces of technology: Microbial fuel cells and reverse electrodialysis. The two techniques can generate power in their own right, but on their own they cannot practically be made self-sustaining.
[geekosystem] hybrid fuelcell generates energy & clean w
[geekosystem] hybrid fuelcell generates energy & clean w
http://www.geekosystem.com/hybrid-fuel- ... ste-water/