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Winkelhorst M, Cabau-Peinado O, Straathof AJ, Jourdin L. Biomass-specific rates as key performance indicators: A nitrogen balancing method for biofilm-based electrochemical conversion. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1096086. [PMID: 36741763 PMCID: PMC9892193 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1096086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) employ microorganisms utilizing solid-state electrodes as either electron sink or electron source, such as in microbial electrosynthesis (MES). METs reaction rate is traditionally normalized to the electrode dimensions or to the electrolyte volume, but should also be normalized to biomass amount present in the system at any given time. In biofilm-based systems, a major challenge is to determine the biomass amount in a non-destructive manner, especially in systems operated in continuous mode and using 3D electrodes. We developed a simple method using a nitrogen balance and optical density to determine the amount of microorganisms in biofilm and in suspension at any given time. For four MES reactors converting CO2 to carboxylates, >99% of the biomass was present as biofilm after 69 days of reactor operation. After a lag phase, the biomass-specific growth rate had increased to 0.12-0.16 days-1. After 100 days of operation, growth became insignificant. Biomass-specific production rates of carboxylates varied between 0.08-0.37 molC molX -1d-1. Using biomass-specific rates, one can more effectively assess the performance of MES, identify its limitations, and compare it to other fermentation technologies.
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Brandão Lavender M, Pang S, Liu D, Jourdin L, Ter Heijne A. Reduced overpotential of methane-producing biocathodes: Effect of current and electrode storage capacity. Bioresour Technol 2022; 347:126650. [PMID: 34974095 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cathode overpotential is a key factor in the energy efficiency of bioelectrochemical systems. In this study the aim is to demonstrate the role of applied current density and electrode storage capacity on cathode overpotential. To do so, eight reactors using capacitive granular activated carbon as cathode material were operated. Four reactors were controlled at -5 A m-2 and four at -10 A m-2. Additionally, to evaluate the electrode storage capacity, weekly charge/discharge tests were conducted for half of the reactors at each applied current density. Results show that cathode potential as high as -0.50 V vs. Ag/AgCl can be reached. Furthermore, the resulting low cathode overpotential is both dependent on applied current density and employment (or not) of charge/discharge tests: reactors at -10 A m-2 without charge/discharge regimes did not result in increasing cathode potential whereas reactors at -5 A m-2 and at -10 A m-2 with charge/discharge regimes did.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Brandão Lavender
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 17, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Paqell B.V., Reactorweg 301, 3542 AD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Siqi Pang
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 17, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dandan Liu
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 17, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Paqell B.V., Reactorweg 301, 3542 AD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 17, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemiek Ter Heijne
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 17, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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Chatzipanagiotou KR, Jourdin L, Bitter H, Strik D. Concentration-dependent effects of nickel doping on activated carbon biocathodes. Catal Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1cy02151f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In microbial electrosynthesis (MES), microorganisms grow on a cathode electrode as biofilm, or in the catholyte as planktonic biomass, and utilize CO2 for their growth and metabolism. Modification of the...
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Puig S, Jourdin L, Kalathil S. Editorial: Microbial Electrogenesis, Microbial Electrosynthesis, and Electro-bioremediation. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:742479. [PMID: 34589079 PMCID: PMC8473817 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.742479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Shafeer Kalathil
- Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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Chatzipanagiotou KR, Soekhoe V, Jourdin L, Buisman CJN, Bitter JH, Strik DPBTB. Catalytic Cooperation between a Copper Oxide Electrocatalyst and a Microbial Community for Microbial Electrosynthesis. Chempluschem 2021; 86:763-777. [PMID: 33973736 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic metals and microorganisms can be combined for CO2 conversion in microbial electrosynthesis (MES). However, a systematic investigation on the nature of interactions between metals and MES is still lacking. To investigate this nature, we integrated a copper electrocatalyst, converting CO2 to formate, with microorganisms, converting CO2 to acetate. A co-catalytic (i. e. metabolic) relationship was evident, as up to 140 mg L-1 of formate was produced solely by copper oxide, while formate was also evidently produced by copper and consumed by microorganisms producing acetate. Due to non-metabolic interactions, current density decreased by over 4 times, though acetate yield increased by 3.3 times. Despite the antimicrobial role of copper, biofilm formation was possible on a pure copper surface. Overall, we show for the first time that a CO2 -reducing copper electrocatalyst can be combined with MES under biological conditions, resulting in metabolic and non-metabolic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina-Roxani Chatzipanagiotou
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Virangni Soekhoe
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Currently at Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Cees J N Buisman
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Harry Bitter
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - David P B T B Strik
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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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.
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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
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Raes SMT, Jourdin L, Buisman CJN, Strik DPBTB. Bioelectrochemical Chain Elongation of Short‐Chain Fatty Acids Creates Steering Opportunities for Selective Formation ofn‐Butyrate,n‐Valerate orn‐Caproate. ChemistrySelect 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202002001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sanne M. T. Raes
- Environmental TechnologyWageningen University and Research, Axis-Z Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Environmental TechnologyWageningen University and Research, Axis-Z Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Cees J. N. Buisman
- Environmental TechnologyWageningen University and Research, Axis-Z Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - David P. B. T. B. Strik
- Environmental TechnologyWageningen University and Research, Axis-Z Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
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Chatzipanagiotou K, Jourdin L, Buisman CJN, Strik DPBTB, Bitter JH. CO
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Conversion by Combining a Copper Electrocatalyst and Wild‐type Microorganisms. ChemCatChem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202000678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina‐Roxani Chatzipanagiotou
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology Wageningen University & Research Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
- Environmental Technology Wageningen University & Research Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Environmental Technology Wageningen University & Research Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
- Department of Biotechnology Delft University of Technology van der Maasweg 9 2629 HZ Delft The Netherlands
| | - Cees J. N. Buisman
- Environmental Technology Wageningen University & Research Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - David P. B. T. B. Strik
- Environmental Technology Wageningen University & Research Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Johannes H. Bitter
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology Wageningen University & Research Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Raes SMT, Jourdin L, Carlucci L, van den Bruinhorst A, Strik DPBTB, Buisman CJN. Water-Based Synthesis of Hydrophobic Ionic Liquids [N 8888][oleate] and [P 666,14][oleate] and their Bioprocess Compatibility. ChemistryOpen 2018; 7:878-884. [PMID: 30410852 PMCID: PMC6217098 DOI: 10.1002/open.201800187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The conversion of organic waste streams into carboxylic acids as renewable feedstocks results in relatively dilute aqueous streams. Carboxylic acids can be recovered from such streams by using liquid-liquid extraction. Hydrophobic ionic liquids (ILs) are novel extractants that can be used for carboxylic acid recovery. To integrate these ILs as in situ extractants in several biotechnological applications, the IL must be compatible with the bioprocesses. Herein the ILs [P666,14][oleate] and [N8888][oleate] were synthesized in water and their bioprocess compatibility was assessed by temporary exposure to an aqueous phase that contained methanogenic granular sludge. After transfer of the sludge into fresh medium, [P666,14][oleate]-exposed granules were completely inhibited. Granules exposed to [N8888][oleate] sustained anaerobic digestion activity, albeit moderately reduced. The IL contaminants, bromide (5-500 ppm) and oleate (10-4000 ppm), were shown not to inhibit the methanogenic conversion of acetate. [P666,14] was identified as a bioprocess-incompatible component. However, our results showed that [N8888][oleate] was bioprocess compatible and, therefore, has potential applications in bioprocesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne M. T. Raes
- Sub-department of Environmental TechnologyWageningen University & ResearchAxis-Z, Bornse Weilanden 96708 WGWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Sub-department of Environmental TechnologyWageningen University & ResearchAxis-Z, Bornse Weilanden 96708 WGWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Livio Carlucci
- Sub-department of Environmental TechnologyWageningen University & ResearchAxis-Z, Bornse Weilanden 96708 WGWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Adriaan van den Bruinhorst
- Laboratory of Physical ChemistryDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513, 5600MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - David P. B. T. B. Strik
- Sub-department of Environmental TechnologyWageningen University & ResearchAxis-Z, Bornse Weilanden 96708 WGWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Cees J. N. Buisman
- Sub-department of Environmental TechnologyWageningen University & ResearchAxis-Z, Bornse Weilanden 96708 WGWageningenThe Netherlands
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne M. T. Raes
- Sub-department of Environmental Technology; Wageningen University & Research; Axis- Z, Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Sub-department of Environmental Technology; Wageningen University & Research; Axis- Z, Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Cees J. N. Buisman
- Sub-department of Environmental Technology; Wageningen University & Research; Axis- Z, Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - David P. B. T. B. Strik
- Sub-department of Environmental Technology; Wageningen University & Research; Axis- Z, Bornse Weilanden 9 6708 WG Wageningen The Netherlands
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Pozo G, Jourdin L, Lu Y, Keller J, Ledezma P, Freguia S. Cathodic biofilm activates electrode surface and achieves efficient autotrophic sulfate reduction. Electrochim Acta 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.07.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Jourdin L, Freguia S, Flexer V, Keller J. Bringing High-Rate, CO2-Based Microbial Electrosynthesis Closer to Practical Implementation through Improved Electrode Design and Operating Conditions. Environ Sci Technol 2016; 50:1982-9. [PMID: 26810392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b04431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The enhancement of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) of acetate from CO2 to performance levels that could potentially support practical implementations of the technology must go through the optimization of key design and operating conditions. We report that higher proton availability drastically increases the acetate production rate, with pH 5.2 found to be optimal, which will likely suppress methanogenic activity without inhibitor addition. Applied cathode potential as low as -1.1 V versus SHE still achieved 99% of electron recovery in the form of acetate at a current density of around -200 A m(-2). These current densities are leading to an exceptional acetate production rate of up to 1330 g m(-2) day(-1) at pH 6.7. Using highly open macroporous reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes with macropore sizes of about 0.6 mm in diameter was found to be optimal for achieving a good balance between total surface area available for biofilm formation and effective mass transfer between the bulk liquid and the electrode and biofilm surface. Furthermore, we also successfully demonstrated the use of a synthetic biogas mixture as carbon dioxide source, yielding similarly high MES performance as pure CO2. This would allow this process to be used effectively for both biogas quality improvement and conversion of the available CO2 to acetate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Jourdin
- Advanced Water Management Centre and ‡Centre for Microbial Electrochemical Systems, The University of Queensland , Gehrmann Building, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Stefano Freguia
- Advanced Water Management Centre and ‡Centre for Microbial Electrochemical Systems, The University of Queensland , Gehrmann Building, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Victoria Flexer
- Advanced Water Management Centre and ‡Centre for Microbial Electrochemical Systems, The University of Queensland , Gehrmann Building, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jurg Keller
- Advanced Water Management Centre and ‡Centre for Microbial Electrochemical Systems, The University of Queensland , Gehrmann Building, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Jourdin L, Grieger T, Monetti J, Flexer V, Freguia S, Lu Y, Chen J, Romano M, Wallace GG, Keller J. High Acetic Acid Production Rate Obtained by Microbial Electrosynthesis from Carbon Dioxide. Environ Sci Technol 2015; 49:13566-13574. [PMID: 26484732 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b03821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
High product specificity and production rate are regarded as key success parameters for large-scale applicability of a (bio)chemical reaction technology. Here, we report a significant performance enhancement in acetate formation from CO2, reaching comparable productivity levels as in industrial fermentation processes (volumetric production rate and product yield). A biocathode current density of -102 ± 1 A m(-2) and an acetic acid production rate of 685 ± 30 (g m(-2) day(-1)) have been achieved in this study. High recoveries of 94 ± 2% of the CO2 supplied as the sole carbon source and 100 ± 4% of electrons into the final product (acetic acid) were achieved after development of a mature biofilm, reaching an elevated product titer of up to 11 g L(-1). This high product specificity is remarkable for mixed microbial cultures, which would make the product downstream processing easier and the technology more attractive. This performance enhancement was enabled through the combination of a well-acclimatized and enriched microbial culture (very fast start-up after culture transfer), coupled with the use of a newly synthesized electrode material, EPD-3D. The throwing power of the electrophoretic deposition technique, a method suitable for large-scale production, was harnessed to form multiwalled carbon nanotube coatings onto reticulated vitreous carbon to generate a hierarchical porous structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Jourdin
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland , Level 4, Gehrmann Building (60), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Centre for Microbial Electrosynthesis, The University of Queensland , Level 4, Gehrmann Building (60), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Timothy Grieger
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland , Level 4, Gehrmann Building (60), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Juliette Monetti
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland , Level 4, Gehrmann Building (60), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Victoria Flexer
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland , Level 4, Gehrmann Building (60), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Stefano Freguia
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland , Level 4, Gehrmann Building (60), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Centre for Microbial Electrosynthesis, The University of Queensland , Level 4, Gehrmann Building (60), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yang Lu
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland , Level 4, Gehrmann Building (60), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jun Chen
- RC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong , Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Mark Romano
- RC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong , Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Gordon G Wallace
- RC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong , Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Jurg Keller
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland , Level 4, Gehrmann Building (60), Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Pozo G, Jourdin L, Lu Y, Ledezma P, Keller J, Freguia S. Methanobacterium enables high rate electricity-driven autotrophic sulfate reduction. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra18444d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The autotrophic reduction of sulfate can be sustained with a cathode as the only electron donor in bioelectrochemical systems (BES).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Pozo
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland
- Australia
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland
- Australia
- Centre for Microbial Electrochemical Systems
- The University of Queensland
| | - Yang Lu
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland
- Australia
| | - Pablo Ledezma
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland
- Australia
| | - Jurg Keller
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland
- Australia
| | - Stefano Freguia
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland
- Australia
- Centre for Microbial Electrochemical Systems
- The University of Queensland
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Pozo G, Jourdin L, Lu Y, Ledezma P, Keller J, Freguia S. Correction: Methanobacterium enables high rate electricity-driven autotrophic sulfate reduction. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra90096d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Correction for ‘Methanobacterium enables high rate electricity-driven autotrophic sulfate reduction’ by Guillermo Pozo et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 89368–89374.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Pozo
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland
- St. Lucia
- Australia
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland
- St. Lucia
- Australia
- Centre for Microbial Electrochemical Systems
| | - Yang Lu
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland
- St. Lucia
- Australia
| | - Pablo Ledezma
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland
- St. Lucia
- Australia
| | - Jurg Keller
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland
- St. Lucia
- Australia
| | - Stefano Freguia
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland
- St. Lucia
- Australia
- Centre for Microbial Electrochemical Systems
| |
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