NOVELTY - The method comprises abioticaliy reducing oxygen on an air cathode (104) having a catalyst layer (114) bound to a gas diffusion layer (110) using an anion conductive polymer, consequently accumulating hydroxyl (OH-) 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 an anion conductive polymer. The method further comprises: oxidizing organic compounds using an anode-respiring bacteria; and transferring electrons from the anode-respiring bacteria to an anode (102).    USE - The method is useful for manufacturing microbial fuel cells (claimed) that are used to achieve sustainable wastewater treatment based on their ability to convert organics present in wastewater into electrical power.    ADVANTAGE - The microbial fuel cells have improved cathode performance.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The method comprises abioticaliy reducing oxygen on an air cathode (104) having a catalyst layer (114) bound to a gas diffusion layer (110) using an anion conductive polymer, consequently accumulating hydroxyl (OH-) 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 an anion conductive polymer. The method further comprises: oxidizing organic compounds using an anode-respiring bacteria; transferring electrons from the anode-respiring bacteria to an anode (102); and transferring the electrons through a circuit that contains a load, to the cathode. The catalyst layer comprises one of carbon and a metal that can be supported on carbon. The gas diffusion layer transports oxygen to the catalyst layer. The catalyst layer contains the anion conductive polymer. The anion conductive polymer has a high diffusion coefficient for OH- and anionic buffer species. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a system for microbial fuel cells.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic view of a microbial fuel cell having an anode and an air-cathode.    Anode (102)    Air cathode (104)    Catalyst (108)    Gas diffusion layer (110)    Catalyst layer. (114)