Microbial Electrosynthesis as Novel-Renewable Biotechnology for Resources Recovery, Decarbonization, and Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

The global human population hit 8 billion in November 2022 and is expected to peak at 10.4 billion by 2080. The high rates of population growth also accompanied the expansion of industrialization leading to larger rates of fossil fuel consumption and waste accumulation (e.g. solid waste, wastewater, and air pollution). For instance, climate change and global warming were mainly due to the increased greenhouse gas emissions resulting from fossil fuel combustion. COR2R is known to be the source of this emerging environmental crisis because it accounts for the bulk of GHG emissions. To address this issue, the globe has implemented several mitigation strategies, including (i) reducing the use of fossil fuels, (ii) developing low-carbon renewable energy sources, and (iii) carbon capture and utilization technologies (CCU), which involves the chemical, physical, and biological processes of COR2R capture. Although chemical and physical processes including photochemical, adsorption, absorption, and electrochemical processes have made great strides, these methods usually have high energy input demands, short life cycles with leaching toxicities, and significant electrode material costs. In contrast to physical and chemical COR2R capture approaches, a biological process known as microbial electrosynthesis (MES) has been proposed as an environmentally friendly and economically viable means of decarbonization, waste treatment, and material recovery. However, MES suffers from several challenges that need to be addressed before scaling up. This research highlights the history, trends, and challenges of up-scaling MES along with investigating MES performance towards value-added chemicals production and extraction through the construction of emerging electrode materials. Eventually, the research endeavors aimed at creating an economical method for value-added product production and extraction from MES are showcased. To achieve the implementation of the MES as a chemical production platform in the context of creating a circular economy, future options to enhance product formation and lower energy costs are explored.