Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Bioelectrocatalysis is a young science based on the principle of combining biological catalysts with electrochemical processes to generate renewable energy. It uses enzymes and microorganisms as catalysts in bioelectrochemical systems that include microbial fuel cells and bioelectrochemical reactors. Such systems carry a high potential for the generation of energy that is both sustainable and relatively less disturbing to the environment, as they utilize renewable resources and often operate at mild conditions.

In a bioelectrocatalytic system, for example, microorganisms or enzymes catalyze chemical reactions at electrodes and transfer chemical energy into electrical energy or generate valuable biofuels. For example, microbial fuel cells use bacteria that break down organic matter like wastewater or agricultural residues. In the process of metabolizing such substrates, these bacteria produce electrons, which can be considered as electricity. This process provides renewable energy but can even be a source of sustainable waste treatment, and this makes microbial fuel cells particularly attractive for wastewater treatment plants.

Yet another very promising application of bioelectrocatalysis is the production of biohydrogen. For example, certain enzymes such as hydrogenases can catalyze the splitting of water into hydrogen gas. However, they require such low-priced renewable inputs as sunlight to do so. Biohydrogen may prove a clean alternative fuel source, with the added advantage of providing a greener substitute than traditional fossil-fuel-based methods of hydrogen production. Beyond energy usage, other implications rest in the sources for biohydrogen: it can be used as a green chemical feedstock in industrial processes or be used as fuel within fuel cells to power vehicles.

Bioelectrocatalysis, in its turn, contributes to carbon capture and utilization. Microbial catalyst-based bioelectrochemical systems could be used for direct conversion of CO2 into useful chemicals such as acetate or methane. This strategy combines the reduction of emitted CO2 with a valuable transformation of greenhouse gases into circulation products, supporting the circular economy and aiding in winning the fight against climate change.