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Bioelectrohydrogenesis and inhibition of methanogenic activity in microbial electrolysis cells - A review
Rengasamy Karthikeyan1, Ka Yu Cheng2, Ammaiyappan Selvam3
1Department of Biology and Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. P.R. China; Department of Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
Abstract:
Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are a promising technology for biological hydrogen production. Compared to abiotic water electrolysis, a much lower electrical voltage (~0.2V) is required for hydrogen production in MECs. It is also an attractive waste treatment technology as a variety of biodegradable substances can be used as the process feedstock. Underpinning this technology is a recently discovered bioelectrochemical pathway known as "bioelectrohydrogenesis". However, little is known about the mechanism of this pathway, and numerous hurdles are yet to be addressed to maximize hydrogen yield and purity. Here, we review various aspects including reactor configurations, microorganisms, substrates, electrode materials, and inhibitors of methanogenesis in order to improve hydrogen generation in MECs.
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