Guiding the optimization of membraneless microfluidic fuel cells via explainable artificial intelligence: Comparative analyses of multiple machine learning models and investigation of key operating parameters

•Optimization of MMFC by implementing various AI models.•PD is rapidly optimized at a significantly low cost.•Optimized PD is 3.4 times higher than the average PD obtained without optimization.•Black-box interpretations provide insight into AI models.•Parameter impact analyses reinforce the reliability of AI optimization models.