Bioelectrosynthesis of Organic and Inorganic Chemicals in Bioelectrochemical System

Abstract

Bioelectrochemical system (BES)–based microbial electrosynthesis is a viable production route for various industrial commodities. In the last decade, BES has emerged as a sustainable technology for treating wastewater and the simultaneous production of bioelectricity. Currently, more focus is being placed on producing high-value chemicals from these systems instead of wastewater. BES-based microbial electrosynthesis can also be utilized to produce different industrial commodities sustainably by replacing existing chemical-based production streams. Using the bioelectrochemical production route for useful industrial chemicals provides a new route of sustainable production. The present review puts forth the production strategies used for different industrial commodities along with the pitfalls of using CO2 as a substrate through BES-based microbial electrosynthesis. Moreover, particular emphasis is placed on a discussion of the technological enhancements in the commercialization of BES-based microbial electrosynthesis.