1
|
de Smit SM, van Mameren TD, van Zwet K, van Veelen HPJ, Cristina Gagliano M, Strik DPBTB, Bitter JH. Integration of biocompatible hydrogen evolution catalyst developed from metal-mix solutions with microbial electrosynthesis. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 158:108724. [PMID: 38714063 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Microbial conversion of CO2 to multi-carbon compounds such as acetate and butyrate is a promising valorisation technique. For those reactions, the electrochemical supply of hydrogen to the biocatalyst is a viable approach. Earlier we have shown that trace metals from microbial growth media spontaneously form in situ electro-catalysts for hydrogen evolution. Here, we show biocompatibility with the successful integration of such metal mix-based HER catalyst for immediate start-up of microbial acetogenesis (CO2 to acetate). Also, n-butyrate formation started fast (after twenty days). Hydrogen was always produced in excess, although productivity decreased over the 36 to 50 days, possibly due to metal leaching from the cathode. The HER catalyst boosted microbial productivity in a two-step microbial community bioprocess: acetogenesis by a BRH-c20a strain and acetate elongation to n-butyrate by Clostridium sensu stricto 12 (related) species. These findings provide new routes to integrate electro-catalysts and micro-organisms showing respectively bio and electrochemical compatibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanne M de Smit
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas D van Mameren
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Koen van Zwet
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - H Pieter J van Veelen
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - M Cristina Gagliano
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - David P B T B Strik
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Johannes H Bitter
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vassilev I, Rinta-Kanto JM, Kokko M. Comparing the performance of fluidized and fixed granular activated carbon beds as cathodes for microbial electrosynthesis of carboxylates from CO 2. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 403:130896. [PMID: 38795921 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130896] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) can use renewable electricity to power microbial conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into carboxylates. To ensure high productivities in MES, good mass transfer must be ensured, which could be accomplished with fluidization of granular activated carbon (GAC). In this study, fluidized and fixed GAC bed cathodes were compared. Acetate production rate and current density were 42 % and 47 % lower, respectively, in fluidized than fixed bed reactors. Although similar microbial consortium dominated by Eubacterium and Proteiniphilum was observed, lowest biomass quantity was measured with fixed GAC bed indicating higher specific acetate production rates compared to fluidized GAC bed. Furthermore, charge efficiency was the highest and charge recovery in carboxylates the lowest in fixed GAC beds indicating enhanced hydrogen evolution and need for enhancing CO2 feeding to enable higher production rates of acetate. Overall, fixed GAC beds have higher efficiency for acetate production in MES than fluidized GAC beds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Vassilev
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Finland
| | | | - Marika Kokko
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pan Z, Hui Y, Hu X, Yu J, Zhang H, Feng X, Guo K. A novel electrolytic gas lift reactor for efficient microbial electrosynthesis of acetate from carbon dioxide. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 393:130124. [PMID: 38040310 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130124] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
The low current density impedes the practical application of microbial electrosynthesis for CO2 fixation. Engineering the reactor design is an effective way to increase the current density, especially for H2-mediated microbial electrosynthesis reactors. The electrolytic bubble column microbial electrosynthesis reactor has shown great potential for scaling up, but the mixing and gas mass transfer still need to be enhanced to further increase the current density. Here, we introduced an inner draft tube to the bubble column to tackle the problem. The addition of draft tube resulted in a 76.6% increase in the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) of H2, a 40% increase in the maximum current density (337 A/m2) and a 72% increase in average acetate production rate (3.1 g/L/d). The computational fluid dynamics simulations showed that the addition of draft tube enhanced mixing efficiency by enabling a more ordered cyclic flow pattern and a more uniform gas/liquid distribution. These results indicate that the electro-bubble column reactor with draft tube holds great potential for industrial implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeyan Pan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yuanyuan Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaona Hu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jinpeng Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Xin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Kun Guo
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jayathilake C, Piyumika G, Nazeer Z, Wijayawardene N, Rajakaruna S, Kumla J, Fernando E. Recent progress in the characterization and application of exo-electrogenic microorganisms. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2024; 117:10. [PMID: 38170279 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-023-01916-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Exo-electrogenic microorganisms are characterized by their special metabolic capability of transferring metabolic electrons out of their cell, into insoluble external electron acceptors such as iron or manganese oxides and electrodes, or vice versa take up electron from electrodes. Their conventional application is primarily limited to microbial fuel cells for electrical power generation and microbial electrolysis cells for the production of value-added products such as biohydrogen, biomethane and hydrogen peroxide. The utility of exo-electrogenic organisms has expanded into many other applications in recent times. Such examples include microbial desalination cells, microbial electro-synthesis cells producing value-added chemicals such as bio-butanol and their applications in other carbon sequestration technologies. Additionally, electrochemically-active organisms are now beginning to be employed in biosensor applications for environmental monitoring. Additionally, the utility of biocathodes in bio-electrochemical systems is also a novel application in catalyzing the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction to enhance their electrochemical performance. Advances have also been made in the expansion and use of other organisms such as the usage of photosynthetic microorganisms for the fabrication of self-sustained bio-electrochemical systems. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive picture of the state-of the art of exo-electrogenic organisms and their novel utility in bioelectrochemical systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gayani Piyumika
- Department of Biology, Rajarata University, Mihintale, 50300, Sri Lanka
| | - Zumaira Nazeer
- Department of Biology, Rajarata University, Mihintale, 50300, Sri Lanka
| | - Nalin Wijayawardene
- Centre for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, 655011, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Jaturong Kumla
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Eustace Fernando
- Department of Biology, Rajarata University, Mihintale, 50300, Sri Lanka.
- School of Engineering and Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Charles V. Schaefer, Hoboken, NJ, 07030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kimura ZI, Kuriyama H, Iwasaki Y. Exploring Acetogenesis in Firmicutes: From Phylogenetic Analysis to Solid Medium Cultivation with Solid-Phase Electrochemical Isolation Equipments. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2976. [PMID: 38138120 PMCID: PMC10746088 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122976] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study introduces a groundbreaking approach for the exploration and utilization of electrotrophic acetogens, essential for advancing microbial electrosynthesis systems (MES). Our initial focus was the development of Solid-Phase Electrochemical Isolation Equipment (SPECIEs), a novel cultivation method for isolating electrotrophic acetogens directly from environmental samples on a solid medium. SPECIEs uses electrotrophy as a selection pressure, successfully overcoming the traditional cultivation method limitations and enabling the cultivation of diverse microbial communities with enhanced specificity towards acetogens. Following the establishment of SPECIEs, we conducted a genome-based phylogenetic analysis using the Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB) to identify potential electrotrophic acetogens within the Firmicutes phylum and its related lineages. Subsequently, we validated the electrotrophic capabilities of selected strains under electrode-oxidizing conditions in a liquid medium. This sequential approach, integrating innovative cultivation techniques with detailed phylogenetic analysis, paves the way for further advances in microbial cultivation and the identification of new biocatalysts for sustainable energy applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zen-ichiro Kimura
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Kure College, 2-2-11 Aga-minami, Kure, Hiroshima 737-8506, Japan; (H.K.); (Y.I.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li S, Zhang H, Zhang H, Li S, Xing F, Chen T, Duan L. Impact analysis of operating conditions on carbon dioxide reduction in microbial electrosynthesis: Insight into the substance utilization and microbial response. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 390:129879. [PMID: 37866769 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129879] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is facing a series of problems including low energy utilization and production efficiency of high value-added products, which seriously hinder its practical application. In this study, a more practical direct current power source was used and the anaerobic activated sludge from wastewater treatment plants was inoculated to construct the acetic acid-producing MES. The operating conditions of acetic acid production were further optimized and the specific mechanisms involving the substance utilization and microbial response were revealed. The optimum conditions were the potential of 3.0 V and pH 6.0. Under these conditions, highly electroactive biofilms formed and all kinds of substances were effectively utilized. In addition, dominant bacteria (Acetobacterium, Desulfovibrio, Sulfuricurvum, Sulfurospirillum, and Fusibacter) had high abundances. Under optimal conditions, acetic acid-forming characteristic genera (Acetobacterium) had the highest relative abundance (Biocathode-25.82 % and Suspension-17.24 %). This study provided references for the optimal operating conditions of MES and revealed the corresponding mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; Institute of Water Ecology and Environment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Haiya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; Institute of Water Ecology and Environment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, PR China
| | - Siqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; Institute of Water Ecology and Environment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, PR China
| | - Fei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; Institute of Water Ecology and Environment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Tianyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; Institute of Water Ecology and Environment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, PR China
| | - Liang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; Institute of Water Ecology and Environment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ibrahim I, Salehmin MNI, Balachandran K, Hil Me MF, Loh KS, Abu Bakar MH, Jong BC, Lim SS. Role of microbial electrosynthesis system in CO 2 capture and conversion: a recent advancement toward cathode development. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1192187. [PMID: 37520357 PMCID: PMC10379653 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1192187] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is an emerging electrochemical technology currently being researched as a CO2 sequestration method to address climate change. MES can convert CO2 from pollution or waste materials into various carbon compounds with low energy requirements using electrogenic microbes as biocatalysts. However, the critical component in this technology, the cathode, still needs to perform more effectively than other conventional CO2 reduction methods because of poor selectivity, complex metabolism pathways of microbes, and high material cost. These characteristics lead to the weak interactions of microbes and cathode electrocatalytic activities. These approaches range from cathode modification using conventional engineering approaches to new fabrication methods. Aside from cathode development, the operating procedure also plays a critical function and strategy to optimize electrosynthesis production in reducing operating costs, such as hybridization and integration of MES. If this technology could be realized, it would offer a new way to utilize excess CO2 from industries and generate profitable commodities in the future to replace fossil fuel-derived products. In recent years, several potential approaches have been tested and studied to boost the capabilities of CO2-reducing bio-cathodes regarding surface morphology, current density, and biocompatibility, which would be further elaborated. This compilation aims to showcase that the achievements of MES have significantly improved and the future direction this is going with some recommendations. Highlights - MES approach in carbon sequestration using the biotic component.- The role of microbes as biocatalysts in MES and their metabolic pathways are discussed.- Methods and materials used to modify biocathode for enhancing CO2 reduction are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irwan Ibrahim
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nur Ikhmal Salehmin
- Institute of Sustainable Energy (ISE), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Putrajaya Campus, Kajang, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Kee Shyuan Loh
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | | | - Bor Chyan Jong
- Agrotechnology and Bioscience Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Swee Su Lim
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Electrochemical synthesis of propionic acid from reduction of ethanol and carbon dioxide at various applied potentials. Biochem Eng J 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2023.108896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
|
9
|
Thulluru LP, Ghangrekar MM, Chowdhury S. Progress and perspectives on microbial electrosynthesis for valorisation of CO 2 into value-added products. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 332:117323. [PMID: 36716542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a neoteric technology that facilitates biocatalysed synthesis of organic compounds with the aid of homoacetogenic bacteria, while feeding CO2 as an inorganic carbon source. Operating MES with surplus renewable electricity further enhances the sustainability of this innovative bioelectrochemical system (BES). However, several lacunae exist in the domain knowledge, stunting the widespread application of MES. Despite significant progress in this area over the past decade, the product yield efficiency is not on par with other contemporary technologies. This bottleneck can be overcome by adopting a holistic approach, i.e., applying innovative and integrated solutions to ensure a robust MES operation. Further, the widespread deployment of MES exclusively relies on its ability to mature a sessile biofilm over a biocompatible electrode, while offering minimal charge transfer resistance. Additionally, operating MES preferably at H2-generating reduction potential and valorising industrial off-gas as carbon substrate is crucial to accomplish economic sustainability. In light of the aforementioned, this review collates the latest progress in the design and development of MES-centred systems for valorisation of CO2 into value-added products. Specifically, it highlights the significance of inoculum pre-treatment for promoting biocatalytic activity and biofilm growth on the cathodic surface. In addition, it summarizes the diverse materials that are commonly used as electrodes in MES, with an emphasis on the importance of inexpensive, robust, and biocompatible electrode materials for the practical application of MES technology. Further, the review presents insights into media conditions, operational factors, and reactor configurations that affect the overall performance of MES process. Finally, the product range of MES, downstream processing requirements, and integration of MES with other environmental remediation technologies are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Pathi Thulluru
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Makarand M Ghangrekar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Shamik Chowdhury
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Luo M, Ozden A, Wang Z, Li F, Erick Huang J, Hung SF, Wang Y, Li J, Nam DH, Li YC, Xu Y, Lu R, Zhang S, Lum Y, Ren Y, Fan L, Wang F, Li HH, Appadoo D, Dinh CT, Liu Y, Chen B, Wicks J, Chen H, Sinton D, Sargent EH. Coordination Polymer Electrocatalysts Enable Efficient CO-to-Acetate Conversion. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2209567. [PMID: 36584285 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Upgrading carbon dioxide/monoxide to multi-carbon C2+ products using renewable electricity offers one route to more sustainable fuel and chemical production. One of the most appealing products is acetate, the profitable electrosynthesis of which demands a catalyst with higher efficiency. Here, a coordination polymer (CP) catalyst is reported that consists of Cu(I) and benzimidazole units linked via Cu(I)-imidazole coordination bonds, which enables selective reduction of CO to acetate with a 61% Faradaic efficiency at -0.59 volts versus the reversible hydrogen electrode at a current density of 400 mA cm-2 in flow cells. The catalyst is integrated in a cation exchange membrane-based membrane electrode assembly that enables stable acetate electrosynthesis for 190 h, while achieving direct collection of concentrated acetate (3.3 molar) from the cathodic liquid stream, an average single-pass utilization of 50% toward CO-to-acetate conversion, and an average acetate full-cell energy efficiency of 15% at a current density of 250 mA cm-2 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingchuan Luo
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Adnan Ozden
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's, College Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Ziyun Wang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Fengwang Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jianan Erick Huang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Sung-Fu Hung
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Yuhang Wang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's, College Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Dae-Hyun Nam
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Yuguang C Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's, College Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Ruihu Lu
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Shuzhen Zhang
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Yanwei Lum
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Yang Ren
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois, 60439, USA
| | - Longlong Fan
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois, 60439, USA
| | - Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion, Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Taiyuan, 030001, P. R. China
| | - Hui-Hui Li
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | | | - Cao-Thang Dinh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Joshua Wicks
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Haijie Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - David Sinton
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's, College Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Edward H Sargent
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St, George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Deutzmann JS, Kracke F, Gu W, Spormann AM. Microbial Electrosynthesis of Acetate Powered by Intermittent Electricity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16073-16081. [PMID: 36260660 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) of acetate is a process using electrical energy to reduce CO2 to acetic acid in an integrated bioelectrochemical system. MES powered by excess renewable electricity produces carbon-neutral acetate while benefitting from inexpensive but intermittent energy sources. Interruptions in electricity supply also cause energy limitation and starvation of the microbial cells performing MES. Here, we studied the effect of intermittent electricity supply on the performance of hydrogen-mediated MES of acetate. Thermoanaerobacter kivui produced acetic acid for more than 4 months from intermittent electricity supplied in 12 h on-off cycles in a semicontinuously-fed MES system. After current interruptions, hydrogen utilization and acetate synthesis rates were severely diminished. They did not recover to the steady-state rates of continuous MES within the 12 h current-on period under most conditions. Accumulating high product (acetate) concentration exacerbated this effect and prolonged recovery. However, supply of a low background current of 1-5% of the maximum current during "off-times" reduced the impact of current interruptions on subsequent MES performance. This study presents sustained MES at a rate of up to 2 mM h-1 acetate at an average concentration of 60-90 mM by a pure thermophilic microbial culture powered by intermittent electricity. We identified product inhibition of accumulating acetic acid as a key challenge to improving the efficiency of intermittently powered MES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jörg S Deutzmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford94305-4020, United States
| | - Frauke Kracke
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford94305-4020, United States
| | - Wenyu Gu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford94305-4020, United States
| | - Alfred M Spormann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford94305-4020, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford94305-4020California, United States
- Novo Nordisk Foundation CO2 Research Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus8000, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu Z, Xue X, Cai W, Cui K, Patil SA, Guo K. Recent progress on microbial electrosynthesis reactors and strategies to enhance the reactor performance. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
|
13
|
Alvarado KA, García Martínez JB, Brown MM, Christodoulou X, Bryson S, Denkenberger DC. Food production in space from CO2 using microbial electrosynthesis. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 149:108320. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
14
|
Gao Y, Li Z, Cai J, Zhang L, Liang Q, Jiang Y, Zeng RJ. Metal nanoparticles increased the lag period and shaped the microbial community in slurry-electrode microbial electrosynthesis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156008. [PMID: 35588810 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Concerns about energy crisis and CO2 emission have motivated the development of microbial electrosynthesis (MES); recent studies have showed the potential of novel slurry-electrode MES. In this study, the effect of nonprecious metal nanoparticles (NPs) on the performance of slurry-electrode MES was systematically evaluated in terms of chemical production, physicochemical properties, electrochemical characterization, and microbial community. Ni and Cu NPs increased the lag period from 6 to 15 days for acetate production, while Mo NPs showed no apparent effect. However, these metal NPs slightly affected the final total acetate production (ca. 10 g L-1), Faradic efficiency (ca. 50%), net water flux across the anion exchange membrane (ca. 6 mL d-1), or electrochemical characterization of catholyte. BRH-c20a was enriched as the dominated microbe (>48%), and its relative abundance was largely affected by the addition of metal NPs. This study demonstrates that metal NPs affect the performance of biocathodes, mainly by shaping the microbial community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jiayi Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lixia Zhang
- 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
| | - Qinjun Liang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Raymond Jianxiong Zeng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang S, Zhang X, Marsili E. Electrochemical Characteristics of Shewanella loihica PV-4 on Reticulated Vitreous Carbon (RVC) with Different Potentials Applied. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165330. [PMID: 36014568 PMCID: PMC9413302 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The current output of an anodic bioelectrochemical system (BES) depends upon the extracellular electron transfer (EET) rate from electricigens to the electrodes. Thus, investigation of EET mechanisms between electricigens and solid electrodes is essential. Here, reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) electrodes are used to increase the surface available for biofilm formation of the known electricigen Shewanella loihica PV-4, which is limited in conventional flat electrodes. S. loihica PV-4 utilizes flavin-mediated EET at potential lower than the outer membrane cytochromes (OMC), while at higher potential, both direct electron transfer (DET) and mediated electron transfer (MET) contribute to the current output. Results show that high electrode potential favors cell attachment on RVC, which enhances the current output. DET is the prevailing mechanism in early biofilm, while the contribution of MET to current output increased as the biofilm matured. Electrochemical analysis under starvation shows that the mediators could be confined in the biofilm. The morphology of biofilm shows bacteria distributed on the top layer of honeycomb structures, preferentially on the flat areas. This study provides insights into the EET pathways of S. loihica PV-4 on porous RVC electrodes at different biofilm ages and different set potential, which is important for the design of real-world BES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shixin Wang
- School of Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- School of Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (E.M.)
| | - Enrico Marsili
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (E.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abdollahi M, Al Sbei S, Rosenbaum MA, Harnisch F. The oxygen dilemma: The challenge of the anode reaction for microbial electrosynthesis from CO2. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:947550. [PMID: 35992647 PMCID: PMC9381829 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.947550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) from CO2 provides chemicals and fuels by driving the metabolism of microorganisms with electrons from cathodes in bioelectrochemical systems. These microorganisms are usually strictly anaerobic. At the same time, the anode reaction of bioelectrochemical systems is almost exclusively water splitting through the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This creates a dilemma for MES development and engineering. Oxygen penetration to the cathode has to be excluded to avoid toxicity and efficiency losses while assuring low resistance. We show that this dilemma derives a strong need to identify novel reactor designs when using the OER as an anode reaction or to fully replace OER with alternative oxidation reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maliheh Abdollahi
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sara Al Sbei
- Bio Pilot Plant, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Miriam A. Rosenbaum
- Bio Pilot Plant, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Falk Harnisch,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
El Housseini W, Lapicque F, Walcarius A, Etienne M. A hybrid electrochemical flow reactor to couple H
2
oxidation to NADH regeneration for biochemical reactions. ELECTROCHEMICAL SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/elsa.202100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wassim El Housseini
- CNRS, Université de Lorraine LCPME Nancy F‐54000 France
- CNRS, Université de Lorraine LRGP Nancy F‐54000 France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kim J, Cestellos-Blanco S, Shen YX, Cai R, Yang P. Enhancing Biohybrid CO 2 to Multicarbon Reduction via Adapted Whole-Cell Catalysts. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:5503-5509. [PMID: 35713473 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c01576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Catalytic CO2 conversion to renewable fuel is of utmost importance to establish a carbon-neutral society. Bioelectrochemical CO2 reduction, in which a solid cathode interfaces with CO2-reducing bacteria, represents a promising approach for renewable and sustainable fuel production. The rational design of biocatalysts in the biohybrid system is imperative to effectively reduce CO2 into valuable chemicals. Here, we introduce methanol adapted Sporomusa ovata (S. ovata) to enhance the slow metabolic activity of wild-type microorganisms to our semiconductive silicon nanowires (Si NWs) array for efficient CO2 reduction. The adapted whole-cell catalysts enable an enhancement of CO2 fixation with a superior faradaic efficiency on the poised Si NWs cathode. The synergy of the high-surface-area cathode and the adapted strain achieves a CO2-reducing current density of 0.88 ± 0.11 mA/cm2, which is 2.4-fold higher than the wild-type strain. This new generation of biohybrids using adapted S. ovata also decreases the charge transfer resistance at the cathodic interface and facilitates the faster charge transfer from the solid electrode to bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Stefano Cestellos-Blanco
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Yue-Xiao Shen
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Rong Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Peidong Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Kavli Energy Nanoscience Institute, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hengsbach JN, Sabel-Becker B, Ulber R, Holtmann D. Microbial electrosynthesis of methane and acetate—comparison of pure and mixed cultures. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:4427-4443. [PMID: 35763070 PMCID: PMC9259517 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12031-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The electrochemical process of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is used to drive the metabolism of electroactive microorganisms for the production of valuable chemicals and fuels. MES combines the advantages of electrochemistry, engineering, and microbiology and offers alternative production processes based on renewable raw materials and regenerative energies. In addition to the reactor concept and electrode design, the biocatalysts used have a significant influence on the performance of MES. Thus, pure and mixed cultures can be used as biocatalysts. By using mixed cultures, interactions between organisms, such as the direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) or syntrophic interactions, influence the performance in terms of productivity and the product range of MES. This review focuses on the comparison of pure and mixed cultures in microbial electrosynthesis. The performance indicators, such as productivities and coulombic efficiencies (CEs), for both procedural methods are discussed. Typical products in MES are methane and acetate, therefore these processes are the focus of this review. In general, most studies used mixed cultures as biocatalyst, as more advanced performance of mixed cultures has been seen for both products. When comparing pure and mixed cultures in equivalent experimental setups a 3-fold higher methane and a nearly 2-fold higher acetate production rate can be achieved in mixed cultures. However, studies of pure culture MES for methane production have shown some improvement through reactor optimization and operational mode reaching similar performance indicators as mixed culture MES. Overall, the review gives an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of using pure or mixed cultures in MES. Key points • Undefined mixed cultures dominate as inoculums for the MES of methane and acetate, which comprise a high potential of improvement • Under similar conditions, mixed cultures outperform pure cultures in MES • Understanding the role of single species in mixed culture MES is essential for future industrial applications
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Niklas Hengsbach
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Technical University Kaiserslautern, 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Björn Sabel-Becker
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - Roland Ulber
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Technical University Kaiserslautern, 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany.
| | - Dirk Holtmann
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bajracharya S, Krige A, Matsakas L, Rova U, Christakopoulos P. Advances in cathode designs and reactor configurations of microbial electrosynthesis systems to facilitate gas electro-fermentation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 354:127178. [PMID: 35436538 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In gas fermentation, a range of chemolithoautotrophs fix single-carbon (C1) gases (CO2 and CO) when H2 or other reductants are available. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) enables CO2 reduction by generating H2 or reducing equivalents with the sole input of renewable electricity. A combined approach as gas electro-fermentation is attractive for the sustainable production of biofuels and biochemicals utilizing C1 gases. Various platform compounds such as acetate, butyrate, caproate, ethanol, butanol and bioplastics can be produced. However, technological challenges pertaining to the microbe-material interactions such as poor gas-liquid mass transfer, low biomass and biofilm coverage on cathode, low productivities still exist. We are presenting a review on latest developments in MES focusing on the configuration and design of cathodes that can address the challenges and support the gas electro-fermentation. Overall, the opportunities for advancing CO and CO2-based biochemicals and biofuels production in MES with suitable cathode/reactor design are prospected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suman Bajracharya
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87 Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Adolf Krige
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Leonidas Matsakas
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Rova
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Paul Christakopoulos
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87 Luleå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gharbi R, Gomez Vidales A, Omanovic S, Tartakovsky B. Mathematical model of a microbial electrosynthesis cell for the conversion of carbon dioxide into methane and acetate. J CO2 UTIL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2022.101956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
22
|
Bajracharya S, Krige A, Matsakas L, Rova U, Christakopoulos P. Dual cathode configuration and headspace gas recirculation for enhancing microbial electrosynthesis using Sporomusa ovata. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132188. [PMID: 34543900 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
High-rate production of acetate and other value-added products from the reduction of CO2 in microbial electrosynthesis (MES) using acetogens can be achieved with high reducing power where H2 appears as a key electron mediator. H2 evolution using metal cathodes can enhance the availability of H2 to support high-rate microbial reduction of CO2. Due to the low solubility of H2, the availability of H2 remains limited to the bacteria. In this study, we investigated the performances of Sporomusa ovata for CO2 reduction when dual cathodes were used together in an MES, one was regular carbon cathode, and the other was a titanium mesh that allows higher hydrogen evolution. The dual cathode configuration was investigated in two sets of MES, one set had the usual S. ovata inoculated graphite rod, and another set had a synthetic biofilm-imprinted carbon cloth. Additionally, the headspace gas in MES was recirculated to increase the H2 availability to the bacteria in suspension. High-rate CO2 reduction was observed at -0.9 V vs Ag/AgCl with dual cathode configuration as compared to single cathodes. High titers of acetate (up to ∼11 g/L) with maximum instantaneous rates of 0.68-0.7 g/L/d at -0.9 V vs Ag/AgCl were observed, which are higher than the production rates reported in the literatures for S. ovata using MES with surface modified cathodes. A high H2 availability supported the high-rate acetate production from CO2 with diminished electricity input.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suman Bajracharya
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Adolf Krige
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Leonidas Matsakas
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Rova
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87, Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Paul Christakopoulos
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87, Luleå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang S, Jiang J, Wang H, Li F, Hua T, Wang W. A review of microbial electrosynthesis applied to carbon dioxide capture and conversion: The basic principles, electrode materials, and bioproducts. J CO2 UTIL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2021.101640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
|
24
|
Wood JC, Grové J, Marcellin E, Heffernan JK, Hu S, Yuan Z, Virdis B. Strategies to improve viability of a circular carbon bioeconomy-A techno-economic review of microbial electrosynthesis and gas fermentation. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 201:117306. [PMID: 34153823 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A circular carbon bioeconomy has potential to halt atmospheric accumulation of greenhouse gases causing climate change and sustainably produce chemical, agricultural and fuel products. Here, we report application of a simplified technoeconomic assessment to critically review two approaches in this space - microbial electrosynthesis and gas fermentation. For microbial electrosynthesis, decoupling of surface-dependant abiotic process for electron delivery from volume-dependant biotic carbon fixation, is shown as the only economically viable strategy to scale-up due to comparatively low biofilm electron consumption rate. This is effectively an electrolyser-assisted gas fermentation system. Targeting high-value products, such as protein for human food consumption is one of the few pathways forward for electrolyser-assisted gas fermentation. Alternatively, gas fermentation of reformed biogas presents an interesting and potentially more sustainable implementation pathway to improve economic viability of chemicals. This critical review suggests linking water treatment resource recovery with gas fermentation is attractive for bioplastics and butanol in terms of competitiveness and market demand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamin C Wood
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Johannes Grové
- Energy & Poverty Group, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Esteban Marcellin
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Queensland Node of Metabolomics Australia, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - James K Heffernan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Shihu Hu
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Zhiguo Yuan
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bernardino Virdis
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cabau-Peinado O, Straathof AJJ, Jourdin L. A General Model for Biofilm-Driven Microbial Electrosynthesis of Carboxylates From CO 2. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:669218. [PMID: 34149654 PMCID: PMC8211901 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.669218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to now, computational modeling of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) has been underexplored, but is necessary to achieve breakthrough understanding of the process-limiting steps. Here, a general framework for modeling microbial kinetics in a MES reactor is presented. A thermodynamic approach is used to link microbial metabolism to the electrochemical reduction of an intracellular mediator, allowing to predict cellular growth and current consumption. The model accounts for CO2 reduction to acetate, and further elongation to n-butyrate and n-caproate. Simulation results were compared with experimental data obtained from different sources and proved the model is able to successfully describe microbial kinetics (growth, chain elongation, and product inhibition) and reactor performance (current density, organics titer). The capacity of the model to simulate different system configurations is also shown. Model results suggest CO2 dissolved concentration might be limiting existing MES systems, and highlight the importance of the delivery method utilized to supply it. Simulation results also indicate that for biofilm-driven reactors, continuous mode significantly enhances microbial growth and might allow denser biofilms to be formed and higher current densities to be achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oriol Cabau-Peinado
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Adrie J J Straathof
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fontmorin JM, Izadi P, Li D, Lim SS, Farooq S, Bilal SS, Cheng S, Yu EH. Gas diffusion electrodes modified with binary doped polyaniline for enhanced CO2 conversion during microbial electrosynthesis. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.137853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
27
|
Rovira-Alsina L, Balaguer MD, Puig S. Thermophilic bio-electro carbon dioxide recycling harnessing renewable energy surplus. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 321:124423. [PMID: 33260066 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Renewable energies will represent an increasing share of the electricity supply, while flue and gasification-derived gases can be a promising CO2 feedstock with a heat load. In this study, microbial electrosynthesis of organic compounds from CO2 at high temperature was proposed as an alternative for valorising energy surplus and decarbonizing the economy. The unremitting fluctuation of renewable energy sources was assessed using two bioreactors at 50 °C, under circumstances of continuous and intermittent power supply (ON-OFF; 8-16 h), simulating an off-grid photovoltaic system. Results highlighted that maximum acetate production rate (43.27 g m-2 d-1) and columbic efficiency (98%) were achieved by working with an intermittent energy supply, while current density was reduced three times. This boosted the production of acetate per unit of electricity provided up to 138 g kWh-1 and reinforced the robustness of the technology by showing resilience to tolerate perturbations and returning to its initial state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rovira-Alsina
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kamiya K, Fujii K, Sugiyama M, Nakanishi S. CO 2 Electrolysis in Integrated Artificial Photosynthesis Systems. CHEM LETT 2021. [DOI: 10.1246/cl.200691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide Kamiya
- Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | - Katsushi Fujii
- Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
- Riken, Center for Advanced Photonics, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masakazu Sugiyama
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Shuji Nakanishi
- Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bian B, Xu J, Katuri KP, Saikaly PE. Resistance assessment of microbial electrosynthesis for biochemical production to changes in delivery methods and CO 2 flow rates. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 319:124177. [PMID: 33035863 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) for CO2 valorization could be influenced by fluctuations in CO2 mass transfer and flow rates. In this study, we developed an efficient method for CO2 delivery to cathodic biofilm by directly sparging CO2 through the pores of ceramic hollow fiber wrapped with Ni-foam/carbon nanotube electrode, and obtained 45% and 77% higher acetate and methane production, respectively. This was followed by the MES stability test in response to fluctuations in CO2 flow rates varying from 0.3 ml/min to 10 ml/min. The biochemical production exhibited an increasing trend with CO2 flow rates, achieving higher acetate (47.0 ± 18.4 mmol/m2/day) and methane (240.0 ± 32.2 mmol/m2/day) generation at 10 ml/min with over 90% coulombic efficiency. The biofilm and suspended biomass, however, showed high resistance to CO2 flow fluctuations with Methanobacterium and Acetobacterium accounting for 80% of the total microbial community, which suggests the robustness of MES for onsite carbon conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Bian
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jiajie Xu
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Krishna P Katuri
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pascal E Saikaly
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lee SY, Oh YK, Lee S, Fitriana HN, Moon M, Kim MS, Lee J, Min K, Park GW, Lee JP, Lee JS. Recent developments and key barriers to microbial CO 2 electrobiorefinery. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 320:124350. [PMID: 33186841 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical conversion of CO2 can include renewable surplus electricity storage and CO2 utilisation. This review focuses on the microbial CO2 electrobiorefinery based on microbial electrosynthesis (MES) which merges electrochemical and microbial conversion to produce biofuels and higher-value chemicals. In this review, recent developments are discussed about bioelectrochemical conversion of CO2 into biofuels and chemicals in MES via microbial CO2-fixation and electricity utilisation reactions. In addition, this review examines technical approaches to overcome the current limitations of MES including the following: engineering of the biocathode, application of electron mediators, and reactor optimisation, among others. An in-depth discussion of strategies for the CO2 electrobiorefinery is presented, including the integration of the biocathode with inorganic catalysts, screening of novel electroactive microorganisms, and metabolic engineering to improve target productivity from CO2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soo Youn Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - You-Kwan Oh
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Hana Nur Fitriana
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea; Renewable Energy Engineering Department, Korea Institute of Energy Research Campus, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, South Korea
| | - Myounghoon Moon
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Sik Kim
- Energy Resources Upcycling Research Laboratory, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Daejeon 34129, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiye Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungseon Min
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwon Woo Park
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Pyo Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Suk Lee
- Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Gwangju 61003, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Jourdin L, Burdyny T. Microbial Electrosynthesis: Where Do We Go from Here? Trends Biotechnol 2020; 39:359-369. [PMID: 33279279 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The valorization of CO2 to valuable products via microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a technology transcending the disciplines of microbiology, (electro)chemistry, and engineering, bringing opportunities and challenges. As the field looks to the future, further emphasis is expected to be placed on engineering efficient reactors for biocatalysts, to thrive and overcome factors which may be limiting performance. Meanwhile, ample opportunities exist to take the lessons learned in traditional and adjacent electrochemical fields to shortcut learning curves. As the technology transitions into the next decade, research into robust and adaptable biocatalysts will then be necessary as reactors shape into larger and more efficient configurations, as well as presenting more extreme temperature, salinity, and pressure conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Jourdin
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Thomas Burdyny
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Dessì P, Rovira-Alsina L, Sánchez C, Dinesh GK, Tong W, Chatterjee P, Tedesco M, Farràs P, Hamelers HMV, Puig S. Microbial electrosynthesis: Towards sustainable biorefineries for production of green chemicals from CO 2 emissions. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 46:107675. [PMID: 33276075 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Decarbonisation of the economy has become a priority at the global level, and the resulting legislative pressure is pushing the chemical and energy industries away from fossil fuels. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) has emerged as a promising technology to promote this transition, which will further benefit from the decreasing cost of renewable energy. However, several technological challenges need to be addressed before the MES technology can reach its maturity. The aim of this review is to critically discuss the bottlenecks hampering the industrial adoption of MES, considering the whole production process (from the CO2 source to the marketable products), and indicate future directions. A flexible stack design, with flat or tubular MES modules and direct CO2 supply, is required for site-specific decentralised applications. The experience gained for scaling-up electrochemical cells (e.g. electrolysers) can serve as a guideline for realising pilot MES stacks to be technologically and economically evaluated in industrially relevant conditions. Maximising CO2 abatement rate by targeting high-rate production of acetate can promote adoption of MES technology in the short term. However, the development of a replicable and robust strategy for production and in-line extraction of higher-value products (e.g. caproic acid and hexanol) at the cathode, and meaningful exploitation of the currently overlooked anodic reactions, can further boost MES cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, the use of energy storage and smart electronics can alleviate the fluctuations of renewable energy supply. Despite the unresolved challenges, the flexible MES technology can be applied to decarbonise flue gas from different sources, to upgrade industrial and wastewater treatment plants, and to produce a wide array of green and sustainable chemicals. The combination of these benefits can support the industrial adoption of MES over competing technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Dessì
- School of Chemistry and Energy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland.
| | - Laura Rovira-Alsina
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona. Campus Montilivi, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez
- Microbiology Department, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33, Galway, Ireland
| | - G Kumaravel Dinesh
- School of Chemistry and Energy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Wenming Tong
- School of Chemistry and Energy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Pritha Chatterjee
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Michele Tedesco
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Pau Farràs
- School of Chemistry and Energy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Hubertus M V Hamelers
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona. Campus Montilivi, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Jiang Y, Liang Q, Chu N, Hao W, Zhang L, Zhan G, Li D, Zeng RJ. A slurry electrode integrated with membrane electrolysis for high-performance acetate production in microbial electrosynthesis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 741:140198. [PMID: 32574921 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) technology employs electrotrophic microbes as biocatalysts to produce chemicals from CO2. The application of a slurry electrode can enlarge the surface area to volume ratio, and membrane electrolysis (ME) for on-line extraction can solve the problem of product inhibition. This study constructed a novel dual-chamber ME-MES integrated system equipped with a slurry electrode, and the effect of concentration of powder-activated carbon (AC) in the catholyte on chemical production was also evaluated. The integrated system amended with 5 g L-1 AC produced up to 13.4 g L-1 acetate, showing a 179% increase compared with the control group without AC (4.8 g L-1). However, further increasing the AC concentration to 10 and 20 g L-1 resulted in decreased acetate production. A high concentration of AC showed higher antimicrobial activity to methanogens, as compared to acetogens. Amending AC exacerbated the process of electroosmosis. Also, amending AC with 0 to 10 g L-1 decreased the electrochemical losses via both the membrane and electrolyte. The chemical production using H2 or the electrode as electron donors showed a similar trend when amending AC. The present study provided important information for guiding future research to construct an efficient configuration of an MES bioreactor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Qinjun Liang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Na Chu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Wen Hao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - 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.
| | - 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.
| | - 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
| | - Raymond Jianxiong Zeng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chen H, Simoska O, Lim K, Grattieri M, Yuan M, Dong F, Lee YS, Beaver K, Weliwatte S, Gaffney EM, Minteer SD. Fundamentals, Applications, and Future Directions of Bioelectrocatalysis. Chem Rev 2020; 120:12903-12993. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Olja Simoska
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Koun Lim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Matteo Grattieri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Mengwei Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Fangyuan Dong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Yoo Seok Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Kevin Beaver
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Samali Weliwatte
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Erin M. Gaffney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Shelley D. Minteer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Izadi P, Fontmorin JM, Godain A, Yu EH, Head IM. Parameters influencing the development of highly conductive and efficient biofilm during microbial electrosynthesis: the importance of applied potential and inorganic carbon source. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2020; 6:40. [PMID: 33056998 PMCID: PMC7560852 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-020-00151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathode-driven applications of bio-electrochemical systems (BESs) have the potential to transform CO2 into value-added chemicals using microorganisms. However, their commercialisation is limited as biocathodes in BESs are characterised by slow start-up and low efficiency. Understanding biosynthesis pathways, electron transfer mechanisms and the effect of operational variables on microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is of fundamental importance to advance these applications of a system that has the capacity to convert CO2 to organics and is potentially sustainable. In this work, we demonstrate that cathodic potential and inorganic carbon source are keys for the development of a dense and conductive biofilm that ensures high efficiency in the overall system. Applying the cathodic potential of -1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl and providing only gaseous CO2 in our system, a dense biofilm dominated by Acetobacterium (ca. 50% of biofilm) was formed. The superior biofilm density was significantly correlated with a higher production yield of organic chemicals, particularly acetate. Together, a significant decrease in the H2 evolution overpotential (by 200 mV) and abundant nifH genes within the biofilm were observed. This can only be mechanistically explained if intracellular hydrogen production with direct electron uptake from the cathode via nitrogenase within bacterial cells is occurring in addition to the commonly observed extracellular H2 production. Indeed, the enzymatic activity within the biofilm accelerated the electron transfer. This was evidenced by an increase in the coulombic efficiency (ca. 69%) and a 10-fold decrease in the charge transfer resistance. This is the first report of such a significant decrease in the charge resistance via the development of a highly conductive biofilm during MES. The results highlight the fundamental importance of maintaining a highly active autotrophic Acetobacterium population through feeding CO2 in gaseous form, which its dominance in the biocathode leads to a higher efficiency of the system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paniz Izadi
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Alexiane Godain
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Eileen H Yu
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
| | - Ian M Head
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Review—Microbial Electrosynthesis: A Way Towards The Production of Electro-Commodities Through Carbon Sequestration with Microbes as Biocatalysts. JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/abb836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
37
|
Fruehauf HM, Enzmann F, Harnisch F, Ulber R, Holtmann D. Microbial Electrosynthesis—An Inventory on Technology Readiness Level and Performance of Different Process Variants. Biotechnol J 2020; 15:e2000066. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M. Fruehauf
- Industrial Biotechnology DECHEMA Research Institute Theodor‐Heuss‐Allee 25 Frankfurt am Main 60486 Germany
| | - Franziska Enzmann
- Technology and Infrastructure Evonik Industries Rodenbacher Chaussee 4 Hanau 63457 Germany
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology Helmholtz‐Centre for Environmental Research GmbH ‐ UFZ Permoserstraße 15 Leipzig 04318 Germany
| | - Roland Ulber
- Bioprocess Engineering University of Kaiserslautern Erwin‐Schrödinger‐Straße 52 Kaiserslautern 64663 Germany
| | - Dirk Holtmann
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen Wiesenstraße 14 Giessen 35390 Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bian B, Bajracharya S, Xu J, Pant D, Saikaly PE. Microbial electrosynthesis from CO 2: Challenges, opportunities and perspectives in the context of circular bioeconomy. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 302:122863. [PMID: 32019708 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.122863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recycling CO2 into organic products through microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is attractive from the perspective of circular bioeconomy. However, several challenges need to be addressed before scaling-up MES systems. In this review, recent advances in electrode materials, microbe-catalyzed CO2 reduction and MES energy consumption are discussed in detail. Anode materials are briefly reviewed first, with several strategies proposed to reduce the energy input for electron generation and enhance MES bioeconomy. This was followed by discussions on MES cathode materials and configurations for enhanced chemolithoautotroph growth and CO2 reduction. Various chemolithoautotrophs, effective for CO2 reduction and diverse bioproduct formation, on MES cathode were also discussed. Finally, research efforts on developing cost-effective process for bioproduct extraction from MES are presented. Future perspectives to improve product formation and reduce energy cost are discussed to realize the application of the MES as a chemical production platform in the context of building a circular economy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Bian
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Thuwal 23955 6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suman Bajracharya
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Thuwal 23955 6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jiajie Xu
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Thuwal 23955 6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deepak Pant
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Separation and Conversion Technology, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium; Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pascal E Saikaly
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Thuwal 23955 6900, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Microbial electrosynthesis from CO2: forever a promise? Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 62:48-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
40
|
Liu Z, Wang K, Chen Y, Tan T, Nielsen J. Third-generation biorefineries as the means to produce fuels and chemicals from CO2. Nat Catal 2020. [DOI: 10.1038/s41929-019-0421-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
41
|
Hou J, Huang L, Zhou P, Qian Y, Li N. Understanding the interdependence of strain of electrotroph, cathode potential and initial Cu(II) concentration for simultaneous Cu(II) removal and acetate production in microbial electrosynthesis systems. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 243:125317. [PMID: 31722262 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metallurgical microbial electrosynthesis systems (MES) are holding great promise for simultaneous heavy metal removal and acetate production from heavy metal-contaminated and organics-barren waters. How critical parameters of strain of electrotroph, cathode potential and initial heavy metal concentration affect MES performance, however, is not yet fully understood. Heavy metal of Cu(II) and four Cu(II)-tolerant electrotrophs (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia JY1, Citrobacter sp. JY3, Pseudomonas aeruginosa JY5 and Stenotrophomonas sp. JY6) were employed to evaluate MES performance at various cathode potentials (-900 or -600 mV vs. standard hydrogen electrode) and initial Cu(II) concentrations (60-120 mg L-1). Each electrotrophs exhibited incremental Cu(II) removals with increased Cu(II) at -900 mV, higher than at -600 mV or in the abiotic controls. Acetate production by JY1 and JY6 decreased with the increase in initial Cu(II), compared to an initial increase and a decrease thereafter for JY3 and JY5. For each electrotrophs, the biofilms than the planktonic cells released more amounts of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) with a compositional diversity and stronger Cu(II) complexation at -900 mV. These were higher than at -600 mV, or in the controls either under open circuit conditions or in the absence of Cu(II). This work demonstrates the interdependence of strain of electrotroph, cathode potential and initial Cu(II) on simultaneous Cu(II) removal and acetate production through the release of different amounts of EPS with diverse composites, contributing to enhancing the controlled MES for efficient recovery of value-added products from Cu(II)-contaminated and organics-barren waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Hou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Liping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
| | - Peng Zhou
- College of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Yitong Qian
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Ning Li
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Flexer V, Jourdin L. Purposely Designed Hierarchical Porous Electrodes for High Rate Microbial Electrosynthesis of Acetate from Carbon Dioxide. Acc Chem Res 2020; 53:311-321. [PMID: 31990521 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Carbon-based products are crucial to our society, but their production from fossil-based carbon is unsustainable. Production pathways based on the reuse of CO2 will achieve ultimate sustainability. Furthermore, the costs of renewable electricity production are decreasing at such a high rate, that electricity is expected to be the main energy carrier from 2040 onward. Electricity-driven novel processes that convert CO2 into chemicals need to be further developed. Microbial electrosynthesis is a biocathode-driven process in which electroactive microorganisms derive electrons from solid-state electrodes to catalyze the reduction of CO2 or organics and generate valuable extracellular multicarbon reduced products. Microorganisms can be tuned to high-rate and selective product formation. Optimization and upscaling of microbial electrosynthesis to practical, real life applications is dependent upon performance improvement while maintaining low cost. Extensive biofilm development, enhanced electron transfer rate from solid-state electrodes to microorganisms and increased chemical production rate require optimized microbial consortia, efficient reactor designs, and improved cathode materials. This Account is about the development of different electrode materials purposely designed for improved microbial electrosynthesis: NanoWeb-RVC and EPD-3D. Both types of electrodes are biocompatible, highly conductive three-dimensional hierarchical porous structures. Both chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and electrophoretic deposition were used to grow homogeneous and uniform carbon nanotube layers on the honeycomb structure of reticulated vitreous carbon. The high surface area to volume ratio of these electrodes maximizes the available surface area for biofilm development, i.e., enabling an increased catalyst loading. Simultaneously, the nanostructure makes it possible for a continuous electroactive biofilm to be formed, with increased electron transfer rate and high Coulombic efficiencies. Fully autotrophic biofilms from mixed cultures developed on both types of electrodes rely on CO2 as the sole carbon source and the solid-state electrode as the unique energy supply. We present first the synthesis and characteristics of the bare electrodes. We then report the outstanding performance indicators of these novel biocathodes: current densities up to -200 A m-2 and acetate production rates up to 1330 g m-2 day-1, with electron and CO2 recoveries into acetate being very close to 100% for mature biofilms. The performance indicators are still among the highest reported by either purposely designed or commercially available biocathodes. Finally, we made use of the titration and off-gas analysis sensor (TOGA) to elucidate the electron transfer mechanism in these efficient biocathodes. Planktonic cells in the catholyte were found irrelevant for acetate production. We identified the electron transfer to be mediated by biologically induced H2. H2 is not detected in the headspace of the reactors, unless CO2 feeding is interrupted or the cathodes sterilized. Thus, the biofilm is extremely efficient in consuming the generated H2. Finally, we successfully demonstrated the use of a synthetic biogas mixture as a CO2 source. We thus proved the potential of microbial electrosynthesis for the simultaneous upgrading of biogas, while fixating CO2 via the production of acetate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Flexer
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Materiales Avanzados y Almacenamiento de Energía de Jujuy-CIDMEJu (CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Jujuy), Av. Martijena S/N, Palpalá 4612, Argentina
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chu N, Liang Q, Jiang Y, Zeng RJ. Microbial electrochemical platform for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 150:111922. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
44
|
From an extremophilic community to an electroautotrophic production strain: identifying a novel Knallgas bacterium as cathodic biofilm biocatalyst. ISME JOURNAL 2020; 14:1125-1140. [PMID: 31996786 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-0595-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Coupling microbial electrosynthesis to renewable energy sources can provide a promising future technology for carbon dioxide conversion. However, this technology suffers from a limited number of suitable biocatalysts, resulting in a narrow product range. Here, we present the characterization of the first thermoacidophilic electroautotrophic community using chronoamperometric, metagenomic, and 13C-labeling analyses. The cathodic biofilm showed current consumption of up to -80 µA cm-2 over a period of 90 days (-350 mV vs. SHE). Metagenomic analyses identified members of the genera Moorella, Desulfofundulus, Thermodesulfitimonas, Sulfolobus, and Acidianus as potential primary producers of the biofilm, potentially thriving via an interspecies sulfur cycle. Hydrogenases seem to be key for cathodic electron uptake. An isolation campaign led to a pure culture of a Knallgas bacterium from this community. Growth of this organism on cathodes led to increasing reductive currents over time. Transcriptomic analyses revealed a distinct gene expression profile of cells grown at a cathode. Moreover, pressurizable flow cells combined with optical coherence tomography allowed an in situ observation of cathodic biofilm growth. Autotrophic growth was confirmed via isotope analysis. As a natural polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) producer, this novel species, Kyrpidia spormannii, coupled the production of PHB to CO2 fixation on cathode surfaces.
Collapse
|
45
|
LaBelle EV, Marshall CW, May HD. Microbiome for the Electrosynthesis of Chemicals from Carbon Dioxide. Acc Chem Res 2020; 53:62-71. [PMID: 31809012 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The price for renewable electricity is rapidly decreasing, and the availability of such energy is expected to increase in the coming years. This is a welcomed outcome considering that mitigation of climate disruption due to the use of fossil carbon is reaching a critical stage. However, the economy will remain dependent on carbon-based chemicals and the problem of electricity storage persists. Therefore, the development of electrosynthetic processes that convert electricity and CO2 into chemicals and energy dense fuels, perhaps even food, would be desirable. Electrochemistry has been applied to the manufacture of many valuable products and at a large industrial scale, but it is difficult to produce multicarbon chemicals from CO2 by chemistry alone. Being that the biological world possesses expertise at the construction of C-C bonds, it is being examined in conjunction with electrochemistry to discover new ways of synthesizing chemicals from electricity and CO2. One approach is microbial electrosynthesis. This Account describes the development of a microbial electrosynthesis system by the authors. A biocathode consisting of a carbon-based electrode and a microbial community produced short chain fatty acids, primarily acetate. The device works by electrolysis of water, but microbes facilitate electron transfer from the cathode while reducing CO2 by the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway possessed by an Acetobacterium sp. While this acetogenic microorganism dominates the microbiome growing on the cathode surface, 13 total species of microbes overall were ecologically selected on the cathode and genomes for each have been assembled. The combined species may contribute to the stability of the microbiome, a common feature of naturally selected microbial communities. The microbial electrosynthesis system was demonstrated to operate continuously at a cathode for more than 2 years and could also be used with intermittent power, thus demonstrating the stability of the microbiome living at the cathode. In addition to the description of reactor design and startup procedures, the possible mechanisms of electron transfer are described in this Account. While mysteries remain to be solved, much evidence indicates that the microbiome may facilitate electron transfer by supplying catalyst(s) external to the bacterial cells and onto the cathode surface. This may be in the form of a hydrogen-producing catalyst that enhances hydrogen generation by an inert carbon-based electrode. Through the enrichment of the electrosynthetic microbiome along with several modifications in reactor design and operation, the productivity and efficiency were improved. In addition to the intrinsic value of the current products, coupling the process with a secondary stage might be used to produce more valuable products from the acetic acid stream such as lipids, biocrude oil, or higher value food supplements. Alternatively, additional work on the mechanism of electron transfer, reactor design/operation, and modification of the microbes through synthetic biology, particularly to enhance carbon efficiency into higher value chemicals, are the needed next steps to advance microbial electrosynthesis so that it may be used to transform renewable electrons and CO2 directly into products and help solve the problem of climate disruption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward V. LaBelle
- Department of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Christopher W. Marshall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233, United States
| | - Harold D. May
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29412, United States
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Application of bioelectrochemical systems for carbon dioxide sequestration and concomitant valuable recovery: A review. MATERIALS SCIENCE FOR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mset.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
47
|
Karthikeyan R, Singh R, Bose A. Microbial electron uptake in microbial electrosynthesis: a mini-review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 46:1419-1426. [DOI: 10.1007/s10295-019-02166-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Microbial electron uptake (EU) is the biological capacity of microbes to accept electrons from electroconductive solid materials. EU has been leveraged for sustainable bioproduction strategies via microbial electrosynthesis (MES). MES often involves the reduction of carbon dioxide to multi-carbon molecules, with electrons derived from electrodes in a bioelectrochemical system. EU can be indirect or direct. Indirect EU-based MES uses electron mediators to transfer electrons to microbes. Although an excellent initial strategy, indirect EU requires higher electrical energy. In contrast, the direct supply of cathodic electrons to microbes (direct EU) is more sustainable and energy efficient. Nonetheless, low product formation due to low electron transfer rates during direct EU remains a major challenge. Compared to indirect EU, direct EU is less well-studied perhaps due to the more recent discovery of this microbial capability. This mini-review focuses on the recent advances and challenges of direct EU in relation to MES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rengasamy Karthikeyan
- grid.4367.6 0000 0001 2355 7002 Department of Biology Washington University in Saint Louis One Brookings Drive 63130 St. Louis MO USA
| | - Rajesh Singh
- grid.4367.6 0000 0001 2355 7002 Department of Biology Washington University in Saint Louis One Brookings Drive 63130 St. Louis MO USA
| | - Arpita Bose
- grid.4367.6 0000 0001 2355 7002 Department of Biology Washington University in Saint Louis One Brookings Drive 63130 St. Louis MO USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Jourdin L, Winkelhorst M, Rawls B, Buisman CJ, Strik DP. Enhanced selectivity to butyrate and caproate above acetate in continuous bioelectrochemical chain elongation from CO2: Steering with CO2 loading rate and hydraulic retention time. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2019.100284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
49
|
Glaven SM. Bioelectrochemical systems and synthetic biology: more power, more products. Microb Biotechnol 2019; 12:819-823. [PMID: 31264368 PMCID: PMC6680619 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Glaven
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Reaching full potential: bioelectrochemical systems for storing renewable energy in chemical bonds. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 57:66-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|