Electron Recycle Concept in a Microbial Electrolysis Cell for Biogas Upgrading

Abstract

An innovative strategy to control the metabolism of microorganisms is offered by bioelectrochemical systems in which a graphite-based cathode can be used as electron donor or acceptor. An advanced microbial electrolysis cell is developed to combine CO 2 removal from a synthetic biogas in a biocathode and the organic matter oxidation in a bioanode. A novel biogas upgrading approach is presented in which an electron recycle concept is obtained by the combination of CO 2 reduction and oxidation. While the bioelectrochemical anodic chemical oxygen demand oxidation provides the electrons necessary for the cathodic CO 2 reduction into methane and acetate, the acetate produced by acetogenic microorganisms migrates from the cathode to the anode being oxidized again by the bioanode.

Evaluation of the Bioelectrochemical Approach and Different Electron Donors for Biological Trichloroethylene Reductive Dechlorination

“…In this scenario, bio-electrochemical systems (BES) should be a promising technology, notably microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) [23][24][25][26]. BES is well-known electrochemical device wherein certain types of microorganisms may interact with a solid electrode [27][28][29][30]. In particular, the bio-cathode produces hydrogen in concentrations suitable for the proceeding of the biological RD.…”