Biocatalysts in microbial electrolysis cells: A review. (21st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hasany, Masoud; Mardanpour, Mohammad Mahdi; Yaghmaei, Soheila
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 41:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 1477
• Page End: 1493
• Publication Date: 2016-01-21
• Subjects: Microbial electrolysis cells -- Microbial community -- Hydrogen -- Methanogens; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.10.097
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are bioelectrochemical reactors in which chemical energy stored in organic compounds are converted to hydrogen through biocatalytic oxidation by microorganisms. The performance of MECs is highly affected by microbial communities that are impartible parts of this technology. A better understanding of microbial interactions and competitions mechanisms, has aided the comprehension of ideas and guidelines for cost effective commercial scales design. In this study, a comprehensive review of current knowledge in the microbial characterization, enrichment, and evaluation of effective parameters of microbial community in microbial electrolysis cells for typical biohydrogen production is summarized. Some existing challenges of biocatalysts behaviors in MECs (such as undesirable microorganisms growth and deactivation of desirable species) were disclosed, and outlooks for future research were also proposed, which would aid the acquisition of knowledge and contribute to the development of MECs and their application in bioenergy production with simultaneous treatment of wastewater. Graphical abstract: Highlights: The methods of microbial communities analysis were summarized. The existing challenges of desirable biocatalysts growth were disclosed. The symbiosis of microbial groups and ways to dominate electrogens were summarized. The effect of operational parameters on undesirable species growth was disclosed.