methods and systems for microbial fuel cells with unproved cathodes are provided , in accordance with some embodiments , methods for microbial fuel cells with improved cathodes are provided . the methods comprising : abiotically reducing oxygen on a cathode having a catalyst layer bound to a gas diffusion layer using an anion conductive polymer , consequently accumulating off at the catalyst layer , and reducing local ph by conducting the oh ″ away from the catalyst layer , directly or by transport of anionic buffers that act as oh ″ carriers , through the anion conductive polymer , in accordance with some embodiments , a system for microbial fuel cells is provided . the system comprising : a container , an anode , anode - respiring bacteria , and a cathode having a catalyst layer bound to a gas diffusion layer using an anion conductive polymer .