MESSAI.iO

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This opinion article proposes ammonium as a carbon-free electron and proton source for microbial electrosynthesis (MES) to upgrade biogas to biomethane. Current MES approaches using organic oxidation or water electrolysis generate unwanted CO₂ or O₂ byproducts. Ammonium oxidation at the anode (producing N₂) coupled with CO₂ reduction at the cathode offers simultaneous ammonium removal and methane production, with preliminary laboratory observations suggesting 2% increase in methane content and 3–4% increase in total biogas production.

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System
MES

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Abstract

Biogas upgrading to biomethane with microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is receiving much attention due to increasing biomethane demands and surplus renewable energy. Research has demonstrated the feasibility of MES to increase methane yield by reducing CO2 in anaerobic digestion (AD). Such CO2 reduction occurs at the cathode and requires the supply of both protons and electrons. The most studied sources of protons and electrons are oxidation of organic substances and water, generated at the anode. These anodic reactions, however, also imply the production of CO2 and O2, respectively, both with negative implications for the AD process. A source of protons and electrons without CO2 and O2 as by-products would be beneficial for MES-enhanced biomethane production. This opinion article discusses the possibility of ammonium to serve as a sustainable proton and electron source.

Keywords

ElectrosynthesisBiogasRenewable energyAnodeAnaerobic digestionMethane

Identifiers

DOI
10.3390/su12083081
Journal
Sustainability
Year
2020