Opinion
Special Issue: Bioconversion of C1 Products and Feedstocks
Microbial Electrosynthesis: Where Do We Go from Here?

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.10.014Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • In the past decade, research in the field of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) has been driven forward by the development of cathode materials, electroactive bacteria or microbiome enrichment, and productivity improvements.

  • As the close of three complete funding cycles for the field is reached, recent reviews have sought to refocus emphasis to the eventual application of MES; a means of measurably reducing CO2 waste via the formation of valuable products.

  • Using present knowledge of bioelectrochemistry, and by learning lessons from adjacent fields, it becomes apparent that the simplest gains in performance are likely to come from advancements in the reactor rather than the biocatalysts. Varying the reactor and operating conditions of the system, however, require adapting these biocatalysts.

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.

Keywords

microbial electrosynthesis (MES)
application-driven roadmap
CO2 utilization
biofilm
extremophiles
electrode and reactor design

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Twitter: @JourdinLudovic (L. Jourdin) and @TomBurdyny (T. Burdyny).