A review on self-sustainable microbial electrolysis cells for electro-biohydrogen production via coupling with carbon-neutral renewable energy technologies.
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.
['Yang|Euntae|E|', 'Omar Mohamed|Hend|H|', 'Park|Sung-Gwan|SG|', 'Obaid|M|M|', 'Al-Qaradawi|Siham Y|SY|', 'Castaño|Pedro|P|', 'Chon|Kangmin|K|', 'Chae|Kyu-Jung|KJ|']
D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources D002244:Carbon D004566:Electrodes D004572:Electrolysis D006859:Hydrogen D059205:Renewable Energy D013672:Technology
Self-sustainable Microbial electrolysis cell Thermodynamic barrier Biohydrogen Photo-assisted microbial electrolysis cell