Search the EPA Research Database

Project title

Design of an scalable microbial electrosynthesis cell for the efficient industrial CO2 recycling

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

CO2 emmisions cause serious environmental problems. Europe set the ambitious goal of reducing 55% of its emissions by 2030. This will only be acommplished by adopting a circular economy model in carbon-intensive industries. Technologies are under development for the production of chemicals through CO2 reduction, including microbial electrosynthesis (MES). This approach involves microorganisms that reduce CO2 into chemicals (Figure 1). This process has shown an efficiency of 80-90 % conversion to green chemicals. In comparison to regular processes, MES entails advantages like the self-regeneration of the biocatalyst, operation at ambient conditions, and the utilization of impure CO2 streams (if oxygen is below 3-5%). However, MES faces technical barriers, preventing its commercial application. This project will address two of the major challenges, cathode and membrane development, pushing this technology towards commercialization. The cathode impacts the efficiency of the system. A gas diffusion electrode (GDE) has shown to improve CO2 reduction to chemicals. However, the current density sustained by this electrode remain low, due to a low specific surface of the material, which causes low biofilm adhesion. To improve interactions between microorganisms and electrode, this project proposes to act both on the cell architecture, with pattern designs that promote biofilm formation (Figure 2) and on the electrode, modifying its surface with biocompatible materials and catalyst to promote microbial adhesion. These modifications could enhance the bio-production of chemicals in the system. Another limitation is related to the membrane used between the anode and cathode, where usually expensive Nafion membranes are used. In this project, four different membrane types will be tested, including cheaper cation exchange membranes (CEM), anion exchange membranes (AEM), bipolar membranes (BPM) and ceramic membranes (C-M). The objective is to reduce costs, whilst maintaining a low cell electric resistance and preventing cross-over of products between compartments of the MES cell.

Grant Approved

�82,500.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options

Start Date

01/09/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2025