A review on self-sustainable microbial electrolysis cells for electro-biohydrogen production via coupling with carbon-neutral renewable energy technologies.

Euntae Yang, Hend Omar Mohamed, Sung-Gwan Park, M Obaid, Siham Y Al-Qaradawi, Pedro Castaño, Kangmin Chon, Kyu-Jung Chae

Bioresource technology 2021 Jan

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Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) technology is a promising bioelectrochemical hydrogen production technology that utilizes anodic bio-catalytic oxidation and cathodic reduction processes. MECs require a lower external energy input than water electrolysis; however, as they also require the application of external power sources, this inevitably renders MEC systems a less sustainable option. This issue is the main obstacle hindering the practical application of MECs. Therefore, this review aims to introduce a self-sustainable MEC technology by combining conventional MECs with advanced carbon-neutral technologies, such as solar-, microbial-, osmotic-, and thermoelectric-powers (and their combinations). Moreover, new approaches to overcome the thermodynamic barriers and attain self-sustaining MECs are discussed in detail, thereby providing a working principle, current challenges, and future perspective in the field. This review provides comprehensive insights into reliable hydrogen production as well as the latest trends towards self-sustainable MECs for practical application. Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

Euntae Yang, Hend Omar Mohamed, Sung-Gwan Park, M Obaid, Siham Y Al-Qaradawi, Pedro Castaño, Kangmin Chon, Kyu-Jung Chae. A review on self-sustainable microbial electrolysis cells for electro-biohydrogen production via coupling with carbon-neutral renewable energy technologies. Bioresource technology. 2021 Jan;320(Pt B):124363