Enhanced solventogenesis in syngas bioconversion: Role of process parameters and thermodynamics

Biofuels, such as ethanol and butanol, obtained from carbon monoxide-rich gas or syngas bioconversion (solventogenesis) are an attractive alternative to traditional fermentation processes with merits of no competition with food production and sustainability. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of some key process parameters and mechanisms enhancing solventogenesis during the fermentation process. This review provides an overview of the current state of the art of the main influencing factors during the syngas fermentation process catalyzed by acetogenic species as well as undefined mixed cultures. The role of syngas pressure, syngas components, fermentation pH, temperature, trace metals, organic compounds and additional materials is overviewed. As a so far hardly considered approach, thermodynamic calculations of the Gibbs free energy of CO conversion to acetic acid, ethanol, butyric acid and butanol under different CO pressures and pH at 25, 33 and 55 °C are also addressed and reviewed. Strategies for enhancing mass transfer and longer carbon chain solvent production are considered as well.