Bioelectrochemical systems for production of valuable compounds

Abstract

The conversion of electrical current into valuable compounds by electrotrophic microorganisms represents one of the most promising applications of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). The ability of electrotrophic microorganisms to directly accept electrons from an insoluble electrode greatly expands BES applications. Electrofermentation (EF) refers to electrically driven systems that use renewable carbon sources (e.g., glycerol) for the production of valuable compounds. In contrast, the concept of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) refers, specifically, to systems in which carbon dioxide (CO2) is used as the only carbon source. Fundamentals of the processes, such as the microorganisms involved and electron transfer mechanisms between electron donors and microorganisms, are presented in this chapter. In addition, this chapter summarizes the recent major applications in the field, as well as the main future challenges.