Microbial Electrosynthesis-An Inventory on Technology Readiness Level and Performance of Different Process Variants

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Electrochemistry
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) integrates electrochemistry and biotechnology for resource-efficient chemical and fuel production.
• Renewable raw materials and regenerative energies are utilized in various MES processes, including biofilm-based, mediator-based, electro-fermentation, and secondary MES.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare different MES technologies based on process performance indicators and technology readiness levels (TRLs).
• To identify the current status and future potential of various MES approaches for industrial application.

Main Methods:

• Review and comparison of existing MES technologies.
• Evaluation of key process indicators: coulombic efficiency (CE), product titre, and productivity.
• Assessment of technology readiness levels (TRLs) for different MES systems.

Main Results:

• Biofilm-based MES mechanisms often lack elucidation, hindering optimization.
• Electro-fermentation and mediator-based processes require further technical investigation and techno-economic assessments.
• Secondary MES and hybrid systems demonstrate high performance indicators and TRLs up to 7.

Conclusions:

• MES technologies offer viable options for current industrial use.
• Secondary MES and hybrid systems represent a promising medium-term technology.
• Further research is needed to optimize biofilm-based and electro-fermentation processes for broader application.