Strategies In The Direction of Scaling-Up Aspects of Microbial Electrolysis Cells

Abstract

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are evolving as modern hybrid technologies, with BES outputs being extensively used in the area of environmental remediation. Although biopower can donate electrons to provide bioelectroremediation of contaminants from BESs, the distribution of electrons is dependent on the close arrangement of electrodes, which is impractical in aquifers. Another type of the BES, namely, the microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), is a highly likely factor in H2 and CH4 synthesis formed by biodegradable organic compounds. Nonetheless, biogas produced by MECs can be used extensively in industry, such as in industrial chemical synthesis, purification, and/or upgrading to a single gas, which is extremely expensive and challenging. The introduction and fundamental principles of MECs that demonstrate their theoretical advantages are outlined in this chapter. The low formal cell voltage and energy yields are the essential advantages. Additional theoretical capabilities, like the development of CH4 and certain value-added chemicals, are explored. The biggest obstacle to this strategy is that the options mentioned above are still rather premature and need more insight. This impact may be damaging if the device is not well-built. Different constraints, perspectives, and facets of the MEC architecture are described in this chapter. Various factors are required for MECs to scale up reactors and other techniques to achieve a dynamic balance status can be problematic and can be solved in the scaling-up phase. The problem of low conductivity of electrolytes and how an increase can damage the main issue of anode acidification is highlighted. Finally, potential guidelines for the implementation of MECs are suggested. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.