Boosting ethanol production rates from carbon dioxide in MES cells under optimal solventogenic conditions

Selective butyric acid production from CO2 and its upgrade to butanol in microbial electrosynthesis cells

“…The cathode chamber of EC-1 was inoculated with a mixed culture dominated by Clostridium sp., shown to produce ethanol in H-type MES cells [ 8 ]. The inoculum was mixed with a mineral medium at a 1:10 v/v ratio.…”

“…Romans-Casas et al. [ 8 ] achieved the highest ethanol production rate of nearly 11 g m −2 d −1 ) after acetic acid accumulated to 6 g L −1 in the catholyte by operating an H-type cell under high hydrogen partial pressure (pH 2 > 3 atm) and low pH (<4.5). The produced ethanol can be extracted, purified and commercialized, or further converted into higher-value products, such as butyric acid, via chain elongation pathways [ 9 ].…”

“…Besides the conversion efficiency, selectivity, and market value of the final product, the techno-economic feasibility of MES widely depends on the electric efficiency of the cells. Most of the studies on MES have been performed in inefficient H-type cells, characterised by high ohmic resistance and requiring as high as 7 V to deliver current densities of 3–4 mA cm −2 [ 8 ]. In addition to high operational costs, technologies with a high power demand have been demonstrated to have a collateral effect on population health, water scarcity, and mineral/metal resources on a large scale [ 1 ].…”

Enhanced bioethanol production by evolved Escherichia coli LGE2-H in a microbial electrolysis cell system

“…Although the technologies associated with the use of starch and sugar as raw materials are well-developed and have been extensively used, these methods rely on grain as a raw material, which could exacerbate any future food crises. Consequently, the ethanol derived from the fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass can significantly relieve the pressure on food supplies and maximize the value of waste products (Romans-Casas et al 2023 ).…”

Enhanced bioethanol production in a microbial electrolysis cell by evolved Escherichia coli LGE2-H

“…The technologies involving starch and sugar as raw materials have been extensively used; however, these methods use grain as raw material, which will aggravate the increasing food crisis. Therefore, the ethanol obtained from lignocellulosic biomass can signi cantly relieve the pressure on food and effectively maximize the value of waste [5].…”