Optimal Geometric Parameters for 3D Electrodes in Bioelectrochemical Systems: A Systematic Approach

Abstract

In this study, the performance of electroactive bacteria (EAB), cultivated inside tubular electrode ducts, is systematically investigated to derive predictions on the behavior of EAB under conditions limited by electrochemical losses. A modeling approach is applied to assess the influence of the electrochemical losses on the electrochemical performance and scaling characteristics of complex 3D structures, such as sponges and foams. A modular flow reactor is designed that provides laminar and reproducible flow conditions as a platform for the systematic electrochemical and bioelectrochemical characterization of 3D electrodes in bioelectrochemical systems (BES). The bioelectrochemical experiments are carried out in a set of reactors incorporating cylindrical electrodes exhibiting ducts of 1 cm length and different diameters ranging from 0.1 cm up to 1 cm. Single duct calculations are extrapolated to three dimensions through geometrical considerations; trends in 3D bioanode performance are demonstrated using the resulting simplified 3D structure. The combined experimental and modeling approach constitutes a framework for future studies on systematic electrode design.

Impact of Surface Properties of Porous SiOC‐Based Materials on the Performance of Geobacter Biofilm Anodes

“…All BES show a decline in j GSA with time, although this effect was more pronounced in the case of BES E2 (Figure 2). The accumulation of biomass on the porous surface of the working electrode may lead to “clogging”, resulting in a limited nutrient transfer into the structures after several feeding cycles, even when the biofilm is expected to be “mature” [36–38] . Furthermore, deviation indicated by the error bars of BES E2 and BES E3 could to some extent be due to the properties of these SiOC materials.…”

A Comprehensive Modeling Analysis of Formate‐Mediated Microbial Electrosynthesis**

“…To that end, several models of MES or related systems have been developed [29–34] . Picioreanu et al.…”

Bioelectrochemical engineering analysis of formate-mediated microbial electrosynthesis

“…To that end, several models of MES or related systems have been developed. [29][30][31][32][33][34] Picioreanu et al developed models for microbial fuel cells with planktonic microbes and biofilms using a generic redox mediator to shuttle electrons between the anode and microbes, both of which were able to accurately fit data from fed-batch experimental systems. [32,33] Kazemi et al developed one of the first MES models based on a conductive biofilm performing direct electron transfer, and using the model were able to relate applied potential to acetate production for the acetogenic bacterium Sporomusa ovata in a batch system.…”