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Related Experiment Video

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Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

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Methanogenesis in membraneless microbial electrolysis cells.

Peter Clauwaert¹, Willy Verstraete

¹Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

|December 4, 2008

Summary

Membraneless microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) lower costs and improve efficiency by removing ion exchange membranes. These systems favor methane production, suggesting potential for wastewater treatment polishing steps.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Electrochemistry
Biotechnology

Background:

Ion exchange membranes in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) increase costs and ohmic resistance.
Minimizing pH gradients is crucial for enhancing MEC performance and conversion rates.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the feasibility and performance of membraneless MECs for methane production.
To evaluate the impact of removing cation exchange membranes on ohmic resistance and current density.

Main Methods:

Operation of MECs without ion exchange membranes using plain graphite electrodes.
Monitoring methane production and current density under specific pH and organic loading conditions.
Comparison of performance metrics between membraneless and conventional MECs.

Main Results:

Membraneless MECs achieved higher current production (156 A m(-3)) compared to conventional MECs (66 A m(-3)).
Ohmic cell resistance was reduced by approximately 50% after membrane removal.
Methane was the primary energetic product, even under carbonate-limited and slightly acidic conditions (pH 6.1-6.2).

Conclusions:

Membraneless MECs offer a cost-effective alternative with improved efficiency for energy recovery.
Methane production is favored in membraneless MECs, posing challenges for pure hydrogen generation.
These systems show promise as a polishing step for anaerobic digester effluent treatment.