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Essential Factors for Performance Improvement and the Implementation of Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs)

Abstract:

The microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) is a novel biotechnological process that can translate the chemical energy (organics/nutrients) present in wastewater or biomass into hydrogen gas and other valuable products. For the realization of real-world MEC application, achieving optimal hydrogen production is necessary. To obtain this optimum hydrogen production, significant factors about the MECs must be realized. Therefore, in this chapter, key factors affecting H2 production and yield in MECs are explored and the important factors are fully discussed. The performance of an MEC depends on many factors and operating parameters: the types of microorganisms and their metabolic behavior, anodic e− (electron) transport and its mechanism, energy sources (substrate, fuel, nutrients), physiochemical properties of electrode and membrane materials, various separators, operating parameters such as pH, temperature (T), Eap (applied voltage), or external power source, organic loading rate, conductivity, and the salinity or ionic strength of electrolytes and solutions are considered to be the critical parameters. The geometric design of MECs reactors is also considered to include influencing parameters. Overall, advances in MEC technology in terms of operating costs, substrates, and use of low-cost electrode materials are required to make MEC systems sustainable, economical, and a commercially viable technology.