Considerations for application of granular activated carbon as capacitive bioanode in bioelectrochemical systems. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Caizán-Juanarena, Leire; Sleutels, Tom; Borsje, Casper; ter Heijne, Annemiek
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 157(2020)
• Page Start: 782
• Page End: 792
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Charge storage -- Electricity production -- Electrochemical capacitors -- Intermittent operation -- Microbial fuel cells -- Wastewater treatment; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.05.049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: In the last decades, the research in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) has expanded from electricity production and wastewater treatment to remediation technologies, chemicals production and low power applications. More recently, capacitors have been implemented to boost the power output of these systems when applied as wastewater treatment technology. Specifically, the use of granular capacitive materials (e.g. activated carbon granules) as bioanodes has opened up new opportunities for reactor designs and upscaling of the technology. One of the main features of these systems is that charge and discharge processes can be separated, which offers multiple advantages over more conventional reactor types. In this manuscript, we discuss several aspects to consider for the application of capacitive granules as bioanodes in MFCs and other bioelectrochemical systems, as well as the recent advances that have been made in applying these granules in various reactor systems. Similarly, we discuss the granule properties that are key to determine system operation and performance, and show that biofilm growth is highly dependent on the efficiency of discharge. Highlights: Application of capacitive bioanodes boosts the performance of BESs. Granular capacitive bioanodes allow for charge storage during intermittent operation. Intermittent operation mode leads to new reactor types for BESs. Biofilm growth is highly dependent on the efficiency of discharge. Granule properties determine key parameters for operation.