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Bian B, Yu N, Akbari A, Shi L, Zhou X, Xie C, Saikaly PE, Logan BE. Using a non-precious metal catalyst for long-term enhancement of methane production in a zero-gap microbial electrosynthesis cell. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121815. [PMID: 38820732 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cells exploit the ability of microbes to convert CO2 into valuable chemical products such as methane and acetate, but high rates of chemical production may need to be mediated by hydrogen and thus require a catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). To avoid the usage of precious metal catalysts and examine the impact of the catalyst on the rate of methane generation by microbes on the electrode, we used a carbon felt cathode coated with NiMo/C and compared performance to a bare carbon felt or a Pt/C-deposited cathode. A zero-gap configuration containing a cation exchange membrane was developed to produce a low internal resistance, limit pH changes, and enhance direct transport of H2 to microorganisms on the biocathode. At a fixed cathode potential of -1 V vs Ag/AgCl, the NiMo/C biocathode enabled a current density of 23 ± 4 A/m2 and a high methane production rate of 4.7 ± 1.0 L/L-d. This performance was comparable to that using a precious metal catalyst (Pt/C, 23 ± 6 A/m2, 5.4 ± 2.8 L/L-d), and 3-5 times higher than plain carbon cathodes (8 ± 3 A/m2, 1.0 ± 0.4 L/L-d). The NiMo/C biocathode was operated for over 120 days without observable decay or severe cathode catalyst leaching, reaching an average columbic efficiency of 53 ± 9 % based on methane production under steady state conditions. Analysis of microbial community on the biocathode revealed the dominance of the hydrogenotrophic genus Methanobacterium (∼40 %), with no significant difference found for biocathodes with different materials. These results demonstrated that HER catalysts improved rates of methane generation through facilitating hydrogen gas evolution to an attached biofilm, and that the long-term enhancement of methane production in MES was feasible using a non-precious metal catalyst and a zero-gap cell design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Bian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Najiaowa Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Amir Akbari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Le Shi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Xuechen Zhou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Chenghan Xie
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Pascal E Saikaly
- Environmental Science and Engineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Suri D, Aeshala LM, Palai T. Microbial electrosynthesis of valuable chemicals from the reduction of CO 2: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:36591-36614. [PMID: 38772994 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The present energy demand of the world is increasing but the fossil fuels are gradually depleting. As a result, the need for alternative fuels and energy sources is growing. Fuel cells could be one alternative to address the challenge. The fuel cell can convert CO2 to value-added chemicals. The potential of bio-fuel cells, specifically enzymatic fuel cells and microbial fuel cells, and the importance of immobilization technology in bio-fuel cells are highlighted. The review paper also includes a detailed explanation of the microbial electrosynthesis system to reduce CO2 and the value-added products during microbial electrosynthesis. Future research in bio-electrochemical synthesis for CO2 conversion is expected to prioritize enhancing biocatalyst efficiency, refining reactor design, exploring novel electrode materials, understanding microbial interactions, integrating renewable energy sources, and investigating electrochemical processes for carbon capture and selective CO2 reduction. The challenges and perspectives of bio-electrochemical systems in the application of CO2 conversion are also discussed. Overall, this review paper provides valuable insights into the latest developments and criteria for effective research and implementation in bio-fuel cells, immobilization technology, and microbial electro-synthesis systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Suri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, 177005, India
| | - Leela Manohar Aeshala
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190006, India
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Warangal, Telangana, 506004, India
| | - Tapas Palai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, 177005, India.
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Zhang L, Zeng L, Wang J, Wang H, Zheng D, Wang X, Li D, Zhan G. Enhanced Microbial Protein Production from CO 2 and Air by a MoS 2 Catalyzed Bioelectrochemical System. Chempluschem 2024:e202400072. [PMID: 38416561 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202400072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Carbon dioxide can be relatively easily reduced to organic matter in a bioelectrochemical system (BES). However, due to insufficient reduction force from in-situ hydrogen evolution, it is difficult for nitrogen reduction. In this study, MoS2 was firstly used as an electrocatalyst for the simultaneous reduction of CO2 and N2 to produce microbial protein (MP) in a BES. Cell dry weight (CDW) could reach 0.81±0.04 g/L after 14 d operation at -0.7 V (vs. RHE), which was 108±3 % higher than that from non-catalyst control group (0.39±0.01 g/L). The produced protein had a better amino acid profile in the BES than that in a direct hydrogen system (DHS), particularly for proline (Pro). Besides, MoS2 promoted the growth of bacterial cell on an electrode and improved the biofilm extracellular electron transfer (EET) by microscopic observation and electrochemical characterization of MoS2 biocathode. The composition of the microbial community and the relative abundance of functional enzymes revealed that MoS2 as an electrocatalyst was beneficial for enriching Xanthobacter and enhancing CO2 and N2 reduction by electrical energy. These results demonstrated that an efficient strategy to improve MP production of BES is to use MoS2 as an electrocatalyst to shift amino acid profile and microbial community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lizhen Zeng
- Analysis and Testing Center, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jingting Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Haoran Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Decong Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Daping Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
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Feng H, Jin A, Yin X, Hong Z, Ding Y, Zhao N, Chen Y, Zhang Y. Enhancing biocathode denitrification performance with nano-Fe 3O 4 under polarity period reversal. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 241:117641. [PMID: 37972808 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The presence of excessive concentrations of nitrate poses a threat to both the environment and human health, and the bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are attractive green technologies for nitrate removal. However, the denitrification efficiency in the BESs is still limited by slow biofilm formation and nitrate removal. In this work, we demonstrate the efficacy of novel combination of magnetite nanoparticles (nano-Fe3O4) with the anode-cathode polarity period reversal (PPR-Fe3O4) for improving the performance of BESs. After only two-week cultivation, the highest cathodic current density (7.71 ± 1.01 A m-2) and NO3--N removal rate (8.19 ± 0.97 g m-2 d-1) reported to date were obtained in the PPR-Fe3O4 process (i.e., polarity period reversal with nano-Fe3O4 added) at applied working voltage of -0.2 and -0.5 V (vs Ag/AgCl) under bioanodic and biocathodic conditions, respectively. Compared with the polarity reversal once only process, the PPR process (i.e., polarity period reversal in the absence of nano-Fe3O4) enhanced bioelectroactivity through increasing biofilm biomass and altering microbial community structure. Nano-Fe3O4 could enhance extracellular electron transfer as a result of promoting the formation of extracellular polymers containing Fe3O4 and reducing charge transfer resistance of bioelectrodes. This work develops a novel biocathode denitrification strategy to achieve efficient nitrate removal after rapid cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Feng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Platform for Low-Carbon Recycling of Waste and Green Development, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China; School of Environment and Resources, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Anan Jin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Xianbin Yin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Zhicheng Hong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Yangcheng Ding
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Nannan Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Platform for Low-Carbon Recycling of Waste and Green Development, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Yufan Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering Technical University of Denmark, DK, 2800, Lyngby, Denmark.
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Chen G, Wang R, Sun M, Chen J, Iyobosa E, Zhao J. Carbon dioxide reduction to high-value chemicals in microbial electrosynthesis system: Biological conversion and regulation strategies. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 344:140251. [PMID: 37769909 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Large emissions of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) are causing climatic and environmental problems. It is crucial to capture and utilize the excess CO2 through diverse methods, among which the microbial electrosynthesis (MES) system has become an attractive and promising technology to mitigate greenhouse effects while reducing CO2 to high-value chemicals. However, the biological conversion and metabolic pathways through microbial catalysis have not been clearly elucidated. This review first introduces the main acetogenic bacteria for CO2 reduction and extracellular electron transfer mechanisms in MES. It then intensively analyzes the CO2 bioconversion pathways and carbon chain elongation processes in MES, together with energy supply and utilization. The factors affecting MES performance, including physical, chemical, and biological aspects, are summarized, and the strategies to promote and regulate bioconversion in MES are explored. Finally, challenges and perspectives concerning microbial electrochemical carbon sequestration are proposed, and suggestions for future research are also provided. This review provides theoretical foundation and technical support for further development and industrial application of MES for CO2 reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoxiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Rongchang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Maoxin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Eheneden Iyobosa
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jianfu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
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Maureira D, Romero O, Illanes A, Wilson L, Ottone C. Industrial bioelectrochemistry for waste valorization: State of the art and challenges. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 64:108123. [PMID: 36868391 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemistry has gained importance in recent years for some of its applications on waste valorization, such as wastewater treatment and carbon dioxide conversion, among others. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of the applications of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) for waste valorization in the industry, identifying current limitations and future perspectives of this technology. BESs are classified according to biorefinery concepts into three different categories: (i) waste to power, (ii) waste to fuel and (iii) waste to chemicals. The main issues related to the scalability of bioelectrochemical systems are discussed, such as electrode construction, the addition of redox mediators and the design parameters of the cells. Among the existing BESs, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) stand out as the more advanced technologies in terms of implementation and R&D investment. However, there has been little transfer of such achievements to enzymatic electrochemical systems. It is necessary that enzymatic systems learn from the knowledge reached with MFC and MEC to accelerate their development to achieve competitiveness in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Maureira
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avenida Brasil 2085, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Oscar Romero
- Bioprocess Engineering and Applied Biocatalysis Group, Departament of Chemical, Biological and Enviromental Engineering, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Spain.
| | - Andrés Illanes
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avenida Brasil 2085, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Lorena Wilson
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avenida Brasil 2085, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carminna Ottone
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avenida Brasil 2085, Valparaíso, Chile.
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7
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Metatranscriptomic insights into the microbial electrosynthesis of acetate by Fe 2+/Ni 2+ addition. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:109. [PMID: 36879133 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03554-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
As important components of enzymes and coenzymes involved in energy transfer and Wood-Ljungdahl (WL) pathways, Fe2+ and Ni2+ supplementation may promote the acetate synthesis through CO2 reduction by the microbial electrosynthesis (MES). However, the effect of Fe2+ and Ni2+ addition on acetate production in MES and corresponding microbial mechanisms have not been fully studied. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of Fe2+ and Ni2+ addition on acetate production in MES, and explored the underlying microbial mechanism from the metatranscriptomic perspective. Both Fe2+ and Ni2+ addition enhanced acetate production of the MES, which was 76.9% and 110.9% higher than that of control, respectively. Little effect on phylum level and small changes in genus-level microbial composition was caused by Fe2+ and Ni2+ addition. Gene expression of 'Energy metabolism', especially in 'Carbon fixation pathways in prokaryotes' was up-regulated by Fe2+ and Ni2+ addition. Hydrogenase was found as an important energy transfer mediator for CO2 reduction and acetate synthesis. Fe2+ addition and Ni2+ addition respectively enhanced the expression of methyl branch and carboxyl branch of the WL pathway, and thus promoted acetate production. The study provided a metatranscriptomic insight into the effect of Fe2+ and Ni2+ on acetate production by CO2 reduction in MES.
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Tahir K, Ali AS, Ghani AA, Hussain M, Kim B, Lim Y, Lee DS. Enhanced bio-electrochemical performance of microbially catalysed anode and cathode in a microbial electrosynthesis system. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 317:137770. [PMID: 36621685 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Most bio-electrochemical systems (BESs) use biotic/abiotic electrode combinations, with platinum-based abiotic electrodes being the most common. However, the non-renewability, cost, and poisonous nature of such electrode systems based on noble metals are major bottlenecks in BES commercialisation. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES), which is a sustainable energy platform that simultaneously treats wastewater and produces chemical commodities, also faces the same problem. In this study, a dual bio-catalysed MES system with a biotic anode and cathode (MES-D) was tested and compared with a biotic cathode/abiotic anode system (MES-S). Different bio-electrochemical tests revealed improved BES performance in MES-D, with a 3.9-fold improvement in current density compared to that of MES-S. Volatile fatty acid (VFA) generation also increased 3.2-, 4.1-, and 1.8-fold in MES-D compared with that in MES-S for acetate, propionate, and butyrate, respectively. The improved performance of MES-D could be attributed to the microbial metabolism at the bioanode, which generated additional electrons, as well as accumulative VFA production by both the bioanode and biocathode chambers. Microbial community analysis revealed the enrichment of electroactive bacteria such as Proteobacteria (60%), Bacteroidetes (67%), and Firmicutes + Proteobacteria + Bacteroidetes (75%) on the MES-S cathode and MES-D cathode and anode, respectively. These results signify the potential of combined bioanode/biocathode BESs such as MES for application in improving energy and chemical commodity production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khurram Tahir
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Abdul Samee Ali
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Ahsan Abdul Ghani
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Muzammil Hussain
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Bolam Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngsu Lim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Sung Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
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Abadikhah M, Rodriguez MDC, Persson F, Wilén BM, Farewell A, Modin O. Evidence of competition between electrogens shaping electroactive microbial communities in microbial electrolysis cells. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:959211. [PMID: 36590422 PMCID: PMC9800620 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.959211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In single-chamber microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), organic compounds are oxidized at the anode, liberating electrons that are used for hydrogen evolution at the cathode. Microbial communities on the anode and cathode surfaces and in the bulk liquid determine the function of the MEC. The communities are complex, and their assembly processes are poorly understood. We investigated MEC performance and community composition in nine MECs with a carbon cloth anode and a cathode of carbon nanoparticles, titanium, or stainless steel. Differences in lag time during the startup of replicate MECs suggested that the initial colonization by electrogenic bacteria was stochastic. A network analysis revealed negative correlations between different putatively electrogenic Deltaproteobacteria on the anode. Proximity to the conductive anode surface is important for electrogens, so the competition for space could explain the observed negative correlations. The cathode communities were dominated by hydrogen-utilizing taxa such as Methanobacterium and had a much lower proportion of negative correlations than the anodes. This could be explained by the diffusion of hydrogen throughout the cathode biofilms, reducing the need to compete for space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Abadikhah
- Division of Water Environment Technology, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden,*Correspondence: Marie Abadikhah, ✉
| | - Miguel de Celis Rodriguez
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Frank Persson
- Division of Water Environment Technology, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Britt-Marie Wilén
- Division of Water Environment Technology, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anne Farewell
- Institute of Chemistry and Molecular Biology and the Center for Antibiotic Resistance Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Oskar Modin
- Division of Water Environment Technology, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Wu Y, Li W, Wang L, Wu Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Meng H. Enhancing the selective synthesis of butyrate in microbial electrosynthesis system by gas diffusion membrane composite biocathode. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136088. [PMID: 36029854 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to high value-added multi-carbon compounds at the cathode is an emerging application of microbial electrosynthesis system (MES). In this study, a composite cathode consisting of hollow fiber membrane (HFM) and the carbon felt is designed to enhance the CO2 mass transfer of the cathode. The result shows that the main products are acetate and butyrate without other substances. The electrochemical performance of the electrode is significantly improved after biofilm becomes matures. The composite cathode significantly reduces the "threshold" for the synthesis of butyrate. Moreover, CO2 is dissolved and protons are consumed by synthesizing volatile fatty acids (VFAs) to maintain a stable pH inside the composite electrode. The synthesis mechanism of butyrate is that CO2 is converted sequentially into acetate and butyrate. The microenvironment of the composite electrode enriches Firmicute. This composite electrode provides a novel strategy for regulating the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, TianGong University, Tianjin, 300387, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China.
| | - Weichao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, TianGong University, Tianjin, 300387, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Lutian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, TianGong University, Tianjin, 300387, China; School of Material Science and Engineering, TianGong University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Yuchong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, TianGong University, Tianjin, 300387, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, TianGong University, Tianjin, 300387, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Tianjin Urban Construction Design Institute, Tianjin, 300122, China
| | - Hongyu Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, TianGong University, Tianjin, 300387, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China
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11
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Development of a three-dimensional macroporous sponge biocathode coated with carbon nanotube–MXene composite for high-performance microbial electrosynthesis systems. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 146:108140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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12
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Vassilev I, Dessì P, Puig S, Kokko M. Cathodic biofilms - A prerequisite for microbial electrosynthesis. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 348:126788. [PMID: 35104648 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Cathodic biofilms have an important role in CO2 bio-reduction to carboxylic acids and biofuels in microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cells. However, robust and resilient electroactive biofilms for an efficient CO2 conversion are difficult to achieve. In this review, the fundamentals of cathodic biofilm formation, including energy conservation, electron transfer and development of catalytic biofilms, are presented. In addition, strategies for improving cathodic biofilm formation, such as the selection of electrode and carrier materials, cell design and operational conditions, are described. The knowledge gaps are individuated, and possible solutions are proposed to achieve stable and productive biofilms in MES cathodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Vassilev
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 8, 33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Paolo Dessì
- School of Chemistry and Energy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUIA. Institute of Environment. University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Marika Kokko
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 8, 33720, Tampere, Finland.
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Chen LF, Yu H, Zhang J, Qin HY. A short review of graphene in the microbial electrosynthesis of biochemicals from carbon dioxide. RSC Adv 2022; 12:22770-22782. [PMID: 36105988 PMCID: PMC9376761 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra02038f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a potential energy transformation technology for the reduction of the greenhouse gas carbon oxide (CO2) into commercial chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. F. Chen
- New Energy Materials Research Center, College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - H. Yu
- New Energy Materials Research Center, College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - J. Zhang
- New Energy Materials Research Center, College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - H. Y. Qin
- New Energy Materials Research Center, College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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14
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Valorisation of CO2 into Value-Added Products via Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES) and Electro-Fermentation Technology. FERMENTATION-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation7040291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Microbial electrocatalysis reckons on microbes as catalysts for reactions occurring at electrodes. Microbial fuel cells and microbial electrolysis cells are well-known in this context; both prefer the oxidation of organic and inorganic matter for producing electricity. Notably, the synthesis of high energy-density chemicals (fuels) or their precursors by microorganisms using bio-cathode to yield electrical energy is called Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES), giving an exceptionally appealing novel way for producing beneficial products from electricity and wastewater. This review accentuates the concept, importance and opportunities of MES, as an emerging discipline at the nexus of microbiology and electrochemistry. Production of organic compounds from MES is considered as an effective technique for the generation of various beneficial reduced end-products (like acetate and butyrate) as well as in reducing the load of CO2 from the atmosphere to mitigate the harmful effect of greenhouse gases in global warming. Although MES is still an emerging technology, this method is not thoroughly known. The authors have focused on MES, as it is the next transformative, viable alternative technology to decrease the repercussions of surplus carbon dioxide in the environment along with conserving energy.
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16
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Keerthana SP, Yuvakkumar R, Ravi G, Pavithra S, Thambidurai M, Dang C, Velauthapillai D. Pure and Ce-doped spinel CuFe 2O 4 photocatalysts for efficient rhodamine B degradation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111528. [PMID: 34139226 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater management is becoming a serious issue worldwide. To enhance the reuse of wastewater, one has to remove toxic pollutants present in it. High amount of dye is present in wastewater, and to remove these dyes is the large scope of this research. Herein, we report production of pure and Ce-doped copper ferrite via hydrothermal route. The synthesized nanoparticles were collected and analyzed by basic characterization techniques. The bandgap energy calculated for pure, 1% Ce, and 2% Ce-doped CuFe2O4 was found to be 2.77, 2.57, and 2.36eV, respectively. Reduction in bandgap was attributed to the doping element. The shape and size of pure and Ce-doped products were investigated using a scanning electron microscope. Agglomeration was observed in the pure copper ferrite sample. In the Ce-doped sample, agglomeration was clearly reduced and the 2% Ce-doped CuFe2O4 sample showed growth of small nanoparticles. They showed complete growth and were arranged in a uniform manner without agglomeration. The surface area of the 2% Ce-CuFe2O4 sample was found to be 65.89 m2/g with 7.02 nm pore diameter. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared material was observed for rhodamine B degradation. The pure and catalyst-added dye was exposed under visible light. The samples were tested for UV. The efficiency obtained for pure dye solution, pristine CuFe2O4-added, and 1% Ce and 2% Ce-doped CuFe2O4-added dye solutions were 48%, 50%, 66%, and 88% within 2 h of irradiation. The 2% Ce-doped CuFe2O4 sample showed excellent photocatalytic activity as the bandgap and morphology were enhanced by doping an appropriate ratio of Ce ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Keerthana
- Department of Physics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Yuvakkumar
- Department of Physics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - G Ravi
- Department of Physics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - S Pavithra
- Department of Physics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M Thambidurai
- COEB, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, TPI, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Cuong Dang
- COEB, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, TPI, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore.
| | - Dhayalan Velauthapillai
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, 5063, Norway
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