H2 gas-liquid mass transfer: A key element in biological Power-to-Gas methanation. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jensen, M.B.; Ottosen, L.D.M.; Kofoed, M.V.W.
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 147(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Power-to-Gas -- Biomethanation -- Biomethane -- Biogas upgrading -- H2 -- Gas-liquid mass transfer -- CO2 utilization; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111209
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: Power-to-Gas technologies are considered essential for a green transition of the global energy system by producing fossil-free fuel from renewable electricity and CO2 . Biological methanation can be used as a Power-to-Gas technology by harnessing hydrogenotrophic methanogenic archaea to produce CH4 from CO2 and electricity-derived H2 . Advancing biological Power-to-Gas methanation technologies to full-scale requires a dedicated focus on H2 gas-liquid mass transfer, which generally limits the conversion of H2 to CH4 . Process and reactor design and operation have accordingly received much research attention in recent years, but technology development is still characterized by a broad investigation of various system configurations and operational conditions, mainly in lab-scale. This review gives an extensive summary of the current biological methanation capacities of different reactor types in the context of Power-to-Gas and critically examines the influence of operational parameters on H2 gas-liquid mass transfer based on the two-film theory. The review provides a basis for critical comparison of reactor performances among biological methanation studies, which often vary in key process parameters that have a direct influence on H2 gas-liquid mass transfer and, therefore, product gas quality. The review hereby compiles knowledge essential to realize the microbial potential for biological Power-to-Gas methanation and support the technology's development to an industrially relevant scale. Highlights: H2 gas-liquid mass transfer is essential for process performance and stability. H2 gas-liquid mass transfer can be optimized through process design and operation. H2 gas-liquid mass transfer is hypothesized to increase with increasing temperature. Technology benchmarking should include mass transfer coefficients. Process scale-up is required to assess the industrial feasibility of biomethanation.