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Bian B, Yu N, Akbari A, Shi L, Zhou X, Xie C, Saikaly PE, Logan BE. Using a non-precious metal catalyst for long-term enhancement of methane production in a zero-gap microbial electrosynthesis cell. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121815. [PMID: 38820732 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cells exploit the ability of microbes to convert CO2 into valuable chemical products such as methane and acetate, but high rates of chemical production may need to be mediated by hydrogen and thus require a catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). To avoid the usage of precious metal catalysts and examine the impact of the catalyst on the rate of methane generation by microbes on the electrode, we used a carbon felt cathode coated with NiMo/C and compared performance to a bare carbon felt or a Pt/C-deposited cathode. A zero-gap configuration containing a cation exchange membrane was developed to produce a low internal resistance, limit pH changes, and enhance direct transport of H2 to microorganisms on the biocathode. At a fixed cathode potential of -1 V vs Ag/AgCl, the NiMo/C biocathode enabled a current density of 23 ± 4 A/m2 and a high methane production rate of 4.7 ± 1.0 L/L-d. This performance was comparable to that using a precious metal catalyst (Pt/C, 23 ± 6 A/m2, 5.4 ± 2.8 L/L-d), and 3-5 times higher than plain carbon cathodes (8 ± 3 A/m2, 1.0 ± 0.4 L/L-d). The NiMo/C biocathode was operated for over 120 days without observable decay or severe cathode catalyst leaching, reaching an average columbic efficiency of 53 ± 9 % based on methane production under steady state conditions. Analysis of microbial community on the biocathode revealed the dominance of the hydrogenotrophic genus Methanobacterium (∼40 %), with no significant difference found for biocathodes with different materials. These results demonstrated that HER catalysts improved rates of methane generation through facilitating hydrogen gas evolution to an attached biofilm, and that the long-term enhancement of methane production in MES was feasible using a non-precious metal catalyst and a zero-gap cell design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Bian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Najiaowa Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Amir Akbari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Le Shi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Xuechen Zhou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Chenghan Xie
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Pascal E Saikaly
- Environmental Science and Engineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Chen G, Wang R, Sun M, Chen J, Iyobosa E, Zhao J. Carbon dioxide reduction to high-value chemicals in microbial electrosynthesis system: Biological conversion and regulation strategies. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 344:140251. [PMID: 37769909 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Large emissions of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) are causing climatic and environmental problems. It is crucial to capture and utilize the excess CO2 through diverse methods, among which the microbial electrosynthesis (MES) system has become an attractive and promising technology to mitigate greenhouse effects while reducing CO2 to high-value chemicals. However, the biological conversion and metabolic pathways through microbial catalysis have not been clearly elucidated. This review first introduces the main acetogenic bacteria for CO2 reduction and extracellular electron transfer mechanisms in MES. It then intensively analyzes the CO2 bioconversion pathways and carbon chain elongation processes in MES, together with energy supply and utilization. The factors affecting MES performance, including physical, chemical, and biological aspects, are summarized, and the strategies to promote and regulate bioconversion in MES are explored. Finally, challenges and perspectives concerning microbial electrochemical carbon sequestration are proposed, and suggestions for future research are also provided. This review provides theoretical foundation and technical support for further development and industrial application of MES for CO2 reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoxiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Rongchang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Maoxin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Eheneden Iyobosa
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jianfu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
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Dessì P, Buenaño-Vargas C, Martínez-Sosa S, Mills S, Trego A, Ijaz UZ, Pant D, Puig S, O'Flaherty V, Farràs P. Microbial electrosynthesis of acetate from CO 2 in three-chamber cells with gas diffusion biocathode under moderate saline conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 16:100261. [PMID: 37089695 PMCID: PMC10120373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The industrial adoption of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is hindered by high overpotentials deriving from low electrolyte conductivity and inefficient cell designs. In this study, a mixed microbial consortium originating from an anaerobic digester operated under saline conditions (∼13 g L-1 NaCl) was adapted for acetate production from bicarbonate in galvanostatic (0.25 mA cm-2) H-type cells at 5, 10, 15, or 20 g L-1 NaCl concentration. The acetogenic communities were successfully enriched only at 5 and 10 g L-1 NaCl, revealing an inhibitory threshold of about 6 g L-1 Na+. The enriched planktonic communities were then used as inoculum for 3D printed, three-chamber cells equipped with a gas diffusion biocathode. The cells were fed with CO2 gas and operated galvanostatically (0.25 or 1.00 mA cm-2). The highest production rate of 55.4 g m-2 d-1 (0.89 g L-1 d-1), with 82.4% Coulombic efficiency, was obtained at 5 g L-1 NaCl concentration and 1 mA cm-2 applied current, achieving an average acetate production of 44.7 kg MWh-1. Scanning electron microscopy and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis confirmed the formation of a cathodic biofilm dominated by Acetobacterium sp. Finally, three 3D printed cells were hydraulically connected in series to simulate an MES stack, achieving three-fold production rates than with the single cell at 0.25 mA cm-2. This confirms that three-chamber MES cells are an efficient and scalable technology for CO2 bio-electro recycling to acetate and that moderate saline conditions (5 g L-1 NaCl) can help reduce their power demand while preserving the activity of acetogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Dessì
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and Energy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, H91 CF50, Galway, Ireland
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
- Corresponding author. LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain.
| | - Claribel Buenaño-Vargas
- Microbiology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, H91 TK33, Galway, Ireland
| | - Santiago Martínez-Sosa
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and Energy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, H91 CF50, Galway, Ireland
| | - Simon Mills
- Microbiology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, H91 TK33, Galway, Ireland
| | - Anna Trego
- Microbiology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, H91 TK33, Galway, Ireland
| | - Umer Z. Ijaz
- Infrastructure and Environment Research Division, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Deepak Pant
- Separation and Conversion Technology, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Vincent O'Flaherty
- Microbiology Department, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, H91 TK33, Galway, Ireland
| | - Pau Farràs
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and Energy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, H91 CF50, Galway, Ireland
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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.
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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
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5
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Tian Y, Wu J, Liang D, Li J, Liu G, Lin N, Li D, Feng Y. Insights into the Electron Transfer Behaviors of a Biocathode Regulated by Cathode Potentials in Microbial Electrosynthesis Cells for Biogas Upgrading. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6733-6742. [PMID: 37036348 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical-based biogas upgrading is a promising technology for the storage of renewable energy and reduction of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the electron transfer behavior between the electrodes and biofilm is crucial for the development of this technology. Herein, the electron transfer pathway of the biofilm and its catalytic capability that responded to the cathode potential during the electromethanogenesis process were investigated. The result suggested that the dominant electron transfer pathway shifted from a direct (DET) to indirect (IDET) way when decreasing the cathode potential from -0.8 V (Bio-0.8 V) to -1.0 V (Bio-1.0 V) referred to Ag/AgCl. More IDET-related redox substances and high content of hydrogenotrophic methanogens (91.9%) were observed at Bio-1.0 V, while more DET-related redox substances and methanogens (82.3%) were detected at Bio-0.8 V. H2, as an important electron mediator, contributed to the electromethanogenesis up to 72.9% of total CH4 yield at Bio-1.0 V but only ∼17.3% at Bio-0.8 V. Much higher biogas upgrading performance in terms of CH4 production rate, final CH4 content, and carbon conversion rate was obtained with Bio-1.0 V. This study provides insight into the electron transfer pathway in the mixed culture constructed biofilm for biogas upgrading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Jing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Dandan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Guohong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Nan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Da Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Yujie Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
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6
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Shen J, Liu Y, Qiao L. Photodriven Chemical Synthesis by Whole-Cell-Based Biohybrid Systems: From System Construction to Mechanism Study. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:6235-6259. [PMID: 36702806 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c19528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
By simulating natural photosynthesis, the desirable high-value chemical products and clean fuels can be sustainably generated with solar energy. Whole-cell-based photosensitized biohybrid system, which innovatively couples the excellent light-harvesting capacity of semiconductor materials with the efficient catalytic ability of intracellular biocatalysts, is an appealing interdisciplinary creature to realize photodriven chemical synthesis. In this review, we summarize the constructed whole-cell-based biohybrid systems in different application fields, including carbon dioxide fixation, nitrogen fixation, hydrogen production, and other chemical synthesis. Moreover, we elaborate the charge transfer mechanism studies of representative biohybrids, which can help to deepen the current understanding of the synergistic process between photosensitizers and microorganisms, and provide schemes for building novel biohybrids with less electron transfer resistance, advanced productive efficiency, and functional diversity. Further exploration in this field has the prospect of making a breakthrough on the biotic-abiotic interface that will provide opportunities for multidisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayuan Shen
- Department of Chemistry, and Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Chemistry, and Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Department of Chemistry, and Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200000, China
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7
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Bakonyi P, Koók L, Rózsenberszki T, Kalauz-Simon V, Bélafi-Bakó K, Nemestóthy N. CO2-refinery through microbial electrosynthesis (MES): A concise review on design, operation, biocatalysts and perspectives. J CO2 UTIL 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2022.102348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
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Zhang X, Arbour T, Zhang D, Wei S, Rabaey K. Microbial electrosynthesis of acetate from CO 2 under hypersaline conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 13:100211. [PMID: 36419905 PMCID: PMC9676218 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2022.100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) enables the bioproduction of multicarbon compounds from CO2 using electricity as the driver. Although high salinity can improve the energetic performance of bioelectrochemical systems, acetogenic processes under elevated salinity are poorly known. Here MES under 35-60 g L-1 salinity was evaluated. Acetate production in two-chamber MES systems at 35 g L-1 salinity (seawater composition) gradually decreased within 60 days, both under -1.2 V cathode potential (vs. Ag/AgCl) and -1.56 A m-2 reductive current. Carbonate precipitation on cathodes (mostly CaCO3) likely declined the production through inhibiting CO2 supply, the direct electrode contact for acetogens and H2 production. Upon decreasing Ca2+ and Mg2+ levels in three-chamber reactors, acetate was stably produced over 137 days along with a low cathode apparent resistance at 1.9 ± 0.6 mΩ m2 and an average production rate at 3.80 ± 0.21 g m-2 d-1. Increasing the salinity step-wise from 35 to 60 g L-1 gave the most efficient acetate production at 40 g L-1 salinity with average rates of acetate production and CO2 consumption at 4.56 ± 3.09 and 7.02 ± 4.75 g m-2 d-1, respectively. The instantaneous coulombic efficiency for VFA averaged 55.1 ± 31.4%. Acetate production dropped at higher salinity likely due to the inhibited CO2 dissolution and acetogenic metabolism. Acetobacterium up to 78% was enriched on cathodes as the main acetogen at 35 g L-1. Under high-salinity selection, 96.5% Acetobacterium dominated on the cathode along with 34.0% Sphaerochaeta in catholyte. This research provides a first proof of concept that MES starting from CO2 reduction can be achieved at elevated salinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tyler Arbour
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Shiqiang Wei
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), Frieda Saeysstraat 1, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Corresponding author. Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology - FBE - Ghent University, Belgium.
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Rovira-Alsina L, Dolors Balaguer M, Puig S. Transition roadmap for thermophilic carbon dioxide microbial electrosynthesis: Testing with real exhaust gases and operational control for a scalable design. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 365:128161. [PMID: 36272679 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Human activities release more carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere than the natural process can remove. This study attempts to address the main challenges for the thermophilic (50 °C) bioelectrochemical conversion of CO2 into acetate. First, real gaseous emissions were tested with mixed microbial consortia, which had no substantial influence on production rates (difference of 2.5%). Subsequently, a bench-scale system (TRL 4-5) was designed and launched to control key operational variables. Fixing the current at 1.3 A m-2, CO2 was reduced at a rate of 2.21 kg CO2 kg-1 acetate, while the electricity consumption was 2.07 kWh kg-1, the most efficient value so far. The results suggest that the operation with real effluents is feasible and the proposed design is energy efficient, but the right balance between maximising current densities without compromising the biocompatibility with catalysts will determine the transition from laboratory scale towards its implementation in the market.
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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.
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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]
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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]
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A meta-analysis of acetogenic and methanogenic microbiomes in microbial electrosynthesis. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:73. [PMID: 36138044 PMCID: PMC9500080 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A meta-analysis approach was used, to study the microbiomes of biofilms and planktonic communities underpinning microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cells. High-throughput DNA sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons has been increasingly applied to understand MES systems. In this meta-analysis of 22 studies, we find that acetogenic and methanogenic MES cells share 80% of a cathodic core microbiome, and that different inoculum pre-treatments strongly affect community composition. Oxygen scavengers were more abundant in planktonic communities, and several key organisms were associated with operating parameters and good cell performance. We suggest Desulfovibrio sp. play a role in initiating early biofilm development and shaping microbial communities by catalysing H2 production, to sustain either Acetobacterium sp. or Methanobacterium sp. Microbial community assembly became more stochastic over time, causing diversification of the biofilm (cathodic) community in acetogenic cells and leading to re-establishment of methanogens, despite inoculum pre-treatments. This suggests that repeated interventions may be required to suppress methanogenesis.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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15
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Zhang J, Liu H, Zhang Y, Wu P, Li J, Ding P, Jiang Q, Cui MH. Heterotrophic precultivation is a better strategy than polarity reversal for the startup of acetate microbial electrosynthesis reactor. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2021.108319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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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.
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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
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17
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Valorisation of CO2 into Value-Added Products via Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES) and Electro-Fermentation Technology. FERMENTATION-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation7040291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Microbial electrocatalysis reckons on microbes as catalysts for reactions occurring at electrodes. Microbial fuel cells and microbial electrolysis cells are well-known in this context; both prefer the oxidation of organic and inorganic matter for producing electricity. Notably, the synthesis of high energy-density chemicals (fuels) or their precursors by microorganisms using bio-cathode to yield electrical energy is called Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES), giving an exceptionally appealing novel way for producing beneficial products from electricity and wastewater. This review accentuates the concept, importance and opportunities of MES, as an emerging discipline at the nexus of microbiology and electrochemistry. Production of organic compounds from MES is considered as an effective technique for the generation of various beneficial reduced end-products (like acetate and butyrate) as well as in reducing the load of CO2 from the atmosphere to mitigate the harmful effect of greenhouse gases in global warming. Although MES is still an emerging technology, this method is not thoroughly known. The authors have focused on MES, as it is the next transformative, viable alternative technology to decrease the repercussions of surplus carbon dioxide in the environment along with conserving energy.
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18
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Llamas M, Greses S, Tomás-Pejó E, González-Fernández C. Tuning microbial community in non-conventional two-stage anaerobic bioprocess for microalgae biomass valorization into targeted bioproducts. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 337:125387. [PMID: 34134053 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Unspecific microorganisms consortia are normally used in anaerobic biodegradation of solid wastes. However, these consortia can be tuned to optimally obtain determined bioproducts. In this study, high value-added products and biogas were obtained via an innovative two-stage anaerobic bioprocess from microalgae biomass. The anaerobic fermentation (AF) entailed the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and subsequently, only the solid spent of AF effluent was valorized for methane production via conventional anaerobic digestion (AD). Applied conditions in AF (25 °C, HRT 8 days) favored Firmicutes predominance (64%) enabling a conversion efficiency of 32.1% g SCFAs-COD/g CODin. Opposite, a wider microbial biodiversity was determined in the AD reactor (35 °C, HRT 20 days), being mainly composed by Firmicutes (28.6%), Euryarchaeota (17.7%) and Proteobacteria (15.3%). AD of the AF-solid spent reached 168.9 mL CH4 /g CODin. Strikingly, operational conditions imposed mediated a microbial specialization that maximized product output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Llamas
- Biotechnological Processes Unit, IMDEA Energy, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Greses
- Biotechnological Processes Unit, IMDEA Energy, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elia Tomás-Pejó
- Biotechnological Processes Unit, IMDEA Energy, Madrid, Spain
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19
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Gomez Vidales A, Bruant G, Omanovic S, Tartakovsky B. Carbon dioxide conversion to C1 - C2 compounds in a microbial electrosynthesis cell with in situ electrodeposition of nickel and iron. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.138349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Abstract
Goal of sustainable carbon neutral economy can be achieved by designing an efficient CO2 reduction system to generate biofuels, in particular, by mimicking the mechanism of natural photosynthesis using semiconducting nanomaterials interfaced with electroactive bacteria (EAB) in a photosynthetic microbial electrosynthesis (PMES) system. This review paper presents an overview of the recent advancements in the biohybrid photoanode and photocathode materials. We discuss the reaction mechanism observed at photoanode and photocathode to enhance our understanding on the solar driven MES. We extend the discussion by showcasing the potential activity of EABs toward high selectivity and production rates for desirable products by manipulating their genomic sequence. Additionally, the critical challenges associated in scaling up the PMES system including the strategies for diminution of reactive oxygen species, low solubility of CO2 in the typical electrolytes, low selectivity of product species are presented along with the suggestions of alternative strategies to achieve economically viable generation of (bio)commodities.
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21
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Rojas MDPA, Zaiat M, González ER, De Wever H, Pant D. Enhancing the gas–liquid mass transfer during microbial electrosynthesis by the variation of CO2 flow rate. Process Biochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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22
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Thatikayala D, Pant D, Min B. A mesoporous silica-supported CeO2/cellulose cathode catalyst for efficient bioelectrochemical reduction of inorganic carbon to biofuels. REACT CHEM ENG 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1re00166c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Single chamber MES reactor – microbial reduction synthesis of CO2 to VFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayakar Thatikayala
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Deepak Pant
- Separation and Conversion Technology, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Booki Min
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
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23
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Tharak A, Venkata Mohan S. Electrotrophy of biocathodes regulates microbial-electro-catalyzation of CO 2 to fatty acids in single chambered system. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 320:124272. [PMID: 33142252 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrochemical conversion of CO2 to value-added products needs effectual biocathodes. In this study, three different working electrodes (biocathode) namely carbon cloth (CC, MES1), stainless steel mesh (SS, MES2) and hybrid electrode (CC + SS, MES3) were evaluated in membrane-less single-chambered Microbial electrosynthesis systems (MESs). Performance of MES was assessed by total volatile fatty acids (VFA) productivity and, reductive current generations upon continuous poised potential (-0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl (3.5 M KCl)). MES3 showed higher VFA synthesis (CC + SS; 1.4 g VFA/L), followed by MES1 (CC; 1.1 g VFA/L) and MES2 (SS; 0.8 g VFA/L) with corresponding reductive current generation of -1.13 mA, -2.74 mA and -0.39 mA. Electro-kinetics revealed the biocathode efficacy towards enhanced electrotrophy with confined electron losses by regulating electron flux in the system. The study infers the potential of hybrid electrode as an efficient biocathode for the reduction of CO2 to VFA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athmakuri Tharak
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - S Venkata Mohan
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India.
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24
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Roy M, Yadav R, Chiranjeevi P, Patil SA. Direct utilization of industrial carbon dioxide with low impurities for acetate production via microbial electrosynthesis. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 320:124289. [PMID: 33129088 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to demonstrate the utilization of unpurified industrial CO2 with low impurities for acetate production via microbial electrosynthesis (MES) for the first time. In MES experiments with CO2-rich brewery gas, the enriched mixed culture dominated by Acetobacterium produced 1.8 ± 0.2 g/L acetic acid at 0.26 ± 0.03 g/Lcatholyte/d rate and outperformed a pure culture of Clostridium ljungdahlii (1.1 ± 0.02 g/L; 0.138 ± 0.004 g/Lcatholyte/d). The electron recovery in acetic acid was also more for mixed culture (84 ± 13%) than C. ljungdahlii (42 ± 14%). Electrochemical analysis of biocathodes suggested the role of microbial biofilm in improved hydrogen electrocatalysis. In comparative gas fermentation tests, the mixed culture outperformed C. ljungdahlii and produced acetic acid at a similar level with both industrial and pure CO2 feedstocks. These results suggest the robustness and capability of the mixed microbial community for utilizing slightly impure industrial CO2 for bioproduction and presents a major advancement in MES technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Roy
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali (IISER Mohali), Sector 81, S.A.S. Nagar, Manauli PO 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Ravineet Yadav
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali (IISER Mohali), Sector 81, S.A.S. Nagar, Manauli PO 140306, Punjab, India
| | - P Chiranjeevi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali (IISER Mohali), Sector 81, S.A.S. Nagar, Manauli PO 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Sunil A Patil
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali (IISER Mohali), Sector 81, S.A.S. Nagar, Manauli PO 140306, Punjab, India.
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25
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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.
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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
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26
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Kutscha R, Pflügl S. Microbial Upgrading of Acetate into Value-Added Products-Examining Microbial Diversity, Bioenergetic Constraints and Metabolic Engineering Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228777. [PMID: 33233586 PMCID: PMC7699770 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecological concerns have recently led to the increasing trend to upgrade carbon contained in waste streams into valuable chemicals. One of these components is acetate. Its microbial upgrading is possible in various species, with Escherichia coli being the best-studied. Several chemicals derived from acetate have already been successfully produced in E. coli on a laboratory scale, including acetone, itaconic acid, mevalonate, and tyrosine. As acetate is a carbon source with a low energy content compared to glucose or glycerol, energy- and redox-balancing plays an important role in acetate-based growth and production. In addition to the energetic challenges, acetate has an inhibitory effect on microorganisms, reducing growth rates, and limiting product concentrations. Moreover, extensive metabolic engineering is necessary to obtain a broad range of acetate-based products. In this review, we illustrate some of the necessary energetic considerations to establish robust production processes by presenting calculations of maximum theoretical product and carbon yields. Moreover, different strategies to deal with energetic and metabolic challenges are presented. Finally, we summarize ways to alleviate acetate toxicity and give an overview of process engineering measures that enable sustainable acetate-based production of value-added chemicals.
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27
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Dessì P, Sánchez C, Mills S, Cocco FG, Isipato M, Ijaz UZ, Collins G, Lens PNL. Carboxylic acids production and electrosynthetic microbial community evolution under different CO 2 feeding regimens. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 137:107686. [PMID: 33142136 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a potential technology for CO2 recycling, but insufficient information is available on the microbial interactions underpinning electrochemically-assisted reactions. In this study, a MES reactor was operated for 225 days alternately with bicarbonate or CO2 as carbon source, under batch or continuous feeding regimens, to evaluate the response of the microbial communities, and their productivity, to dynamic operating conditions. A stable acetic acid production rate of 9.68 g m-2 d-1, and coulombic efficiency up to 40%, was achieved with continuous CO2 sparging, higher than the rates obtained with bicarbonate (0.94 g m-2 d-1) and CO2 under fed-batch conditions (2.54 g m-2 d-1). However, the highest butyric acid production rate (0.39 g m-2 d-1) was achieved with intermittent CO2 sparging. The microbial community analyses focused on differential amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), allowing detection of ASVs significantly different across consecutive samples. This analysis, combined with co-occurence network analysis, and cyclic voltammetry, indicated that hydrogen-mediated acetogenesis was carried out by Clostridium, Eubacterium and Acetobacterium, whereas Oscillibacter and Caproiciproducens were involved in butyric acid production. The cathodic community was spatially inhomogeneous, with potential electrotrophs, such as Sulfurospirillum and Desulfovibrio, most prevalent near the current collector. The abundance of Sulfurospirillum positively correlated with that of Acetobacterium, supporting the syntrophic metabolism of both organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Dessì
- Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland.
| | - Carlos Sánchez
- Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Simon Mills
- Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Francesco Giuseppe Cocco
- Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Piazza d'Armi, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Isipato
- Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Piazza d'Armi, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Umer Z Ijaz
- Infrastructure and Environment Research Division, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Oakfield Avenue, Glasgow G12 8LT, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Collins
- Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Piet N L Lens
- Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
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