Bioelectrochemical Systems (BES) for Biomethane Production—Review

Abstract

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) have great potential in renewable energy production technologies. BES can generate electricity via Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) or use electric current to synthesize valuable commodities in Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs). Various reactor configurations and operational protocols are increasing rapidly, although industrial-scale operation still faces difficulties. This article reviews the recent BES related to literature, with special attention to electrosynthesis and the most promising reactor configurations. We also attempted to clarify the numerous definitions proposed for BESs. The main components of BES are highlighted. Although the comparison of the various fermentation systems is, we collected useful and generally applicable operational parameters to be used for comparative studies. A brief overview links the appropriate microbes to the optimal reactor design.

Keywords

• bioelectrochemical system (BES)
• microbial electrolysis cell (MEC)
• reactor configurations
• electro-fermentation
• biomethane
• direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET)