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Bioelectrochemical Systems: An Outlook for Practical Applications

  1. Dr. Tom H. J. A. Sleutels1,†,
  2. Dr. Annemiek Ter Heijne2,†,*,
  3. Prof. Cees J. N. Buisman1,2,
  4. Dr. Hubertus V. M. Hamelers1,2

Article first published online: 5 JUN 2012

DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201100732

Issue

ChemSusChem

ChemSusChem

Special Issue: Microbial Fuel Cells

Volume 5, Issue 6, pages 1012–1019, June 2012

Additional Information

How to Cite

Sleutels, T. H. J. A., Ter Heijne, A., Buisman, C. J. N. and Hamelers, H. V. M. (2012), Bioelectrochemical Systems: An Outlook for Practical Applications. ChemSusChem, 5: 1012–1019. doi: 10.1002/cssc.201100732

Author Information

  1. 1

    Wetsus, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Agora 1, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden (The Netherlands)

  2. 2

    Sub-Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, P O Box 17, 6708 WG Wageningen (The Netherlands), Fax: (+31) 317-48-21-08

  1. †

    Both authors contributed equally to this work.

*Sub-Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, P O Box 17, 6708 WG Wageningen (The Netherlands), Fax: (+31) 317-48-21-08

  1. †

    Both authors contributed equally to this work.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 5 JUN 2012
  2. Article first published online: 5 JUN 2012
  3. Manuscript Revised: 8 MAR 2012
  4. Manuscript Received: 15 NOV 2011

Funded by

  • Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs
  • European Union European Regional Development Fund
  • Province of Fryslan
  • EZ-KOMPAS Program of the “Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland”

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Keywords:

  • costs;
  • fuel cells;
  • electrolysis cell;
  • microbes;
  • resistance

Abstract

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) hold great promise for sustainable production of energy and chemicals. This review addresses the factors that are essential for practical application of BESs. First, we compare benefits (value of products and cleaning of wastewater) with costs (capital and operational costs). Based on this, we analyze the maximum internal resistance (in mΩ m2) and current density that is required to make microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and hydrogen-producing microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) cost effective. We compare these maximum resistances to reported internal resistances and current densities with special focus on cathodic resistances. Whereas the current densities of MFCs still need to be increased considerably (i.e., internal resistance needs to be decreased), MECs are closer to application as their current densities can be increased by increasing the applied voltage. For MFCs, the production of high-value products in combination with electricity production and wastewater treatment is a promising route.

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