Microbial electrosynthesis system with dual biocathode arrangement for simultaneous acetogenesis, solventogenesis and carbon chain elongation

Abstract

A microbial electrosynthesis cell comprising two biological cathode chambers sharing the same anode compartment is used to promote the production of C2-C4 carboxylic acids and alcohols from carbon dioxide. Each cathode chamber provides ideal pH conditions to favor acetogenesis/carbon chain elongation (pH = 6.9), and solventogenesis (pH = 4.9), respectively, without the requirement of external acid/base dosing.