Bioelectrochemical systems in aid of sustainable biorefineries for the production of value-added products and resource recovery from wastewater: A critical review and future perspectives

Bioresour Technol. 2022 Sep:359:127435. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127435. Epub 2022 Jun 6.

Abstract

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have the potential to be used in a variety of applications such as waste biorefinery, pollutants removal, CO2 capture, and the electrosynthesis of clean and renewable biofuels or byproducts, among others. In contrast, many technical challenges need to be addressed before BES can be scaled up and put into real-world applications. Utilizing BES, this review article presents a state-of-the-art overall view of crucial concepts and the most recent innovative results and achievements acquired from the BES system. Special attention is placed on a hybrid approach for product recovery and wastewater treatment. There is also a comprehensive overview of waste biorefinery designs that are included. In conclusion, the significant obstacles and technical concerns found throughout the BES studies are discussed, and suggestions and future requirements for the virtual usage of the BES concept in actual waste treatment are outlined.

Keywords: Biological electrosynthesis cells; Biorefinery; Hybrid approachs; Medium-chain fatty acids; Microbial electrolysis cell; Microbial fuel cell.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bioelectric Energy Sources*
  • Biofuels
  • Wastewater / analysis
  • Water Purification* / methods

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • Waste Water