AI Article Synopsis
- Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are innovative systems for hydrogen production that use bio-catalysis but require external energy, making them less sustainable.
- This review proposes enhancing MEC technology by integrating it with renewable energy sources like solar and microbial power for improved sustainability.
- It also explores methods to overcome the challenges of creating self-sustaining MECs, offering insights into their principles, current issues, and future developments in reliable hydrogen production.
Article Abstract
Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) technology is a promising bioelectrochemical hydrogen production technology that utilizes anodic bio-catalytic oxidation and cathodic reduction processes. MECs require a lower external energy input than water electrolysis; however, as they also require the application of external power sources, this inevitably renders MEC systems a less sustainable option. This issue is the main obstacle hindering the practical application of MECs. Therefore, this review aims to introduce a self-sustainable MEC technology by combining conventional MECs with advanced carbon-neutral technologies, such as solar-, microbial-, osmotic-, and thermoelectric-powers (and their combinations). Moreover, new approaches to overcome the thermodynamic barriers and attain self-sustaining MECs are discussed in detail, thereby providing a working principle, current challenges, and future perspective in the field. This review provides comprehensive insights into reliable hydrogen production as well as the latest trends towards self-sustainable MECs for practical application.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124363 | DOI Listing |
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