Fluidized and fixed granular beds of activated carbon as electrodes in microbial electrochemical technologies

Leire Caizán-Juanarena, Tom Sleutels, Marika Kokko, Raúl Berenguer, Annemiek ter Heijne

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

So far, microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) are hardly applied in practice due to their limited current densities and constraints regarding upscaling. Granular-activated carbon (GAC) has unique features as electrode materials to move toward the upscaling of these systems. This chapter gives an overview of the most significant intrinsic properties of GAC and how those determine the type of interaction with electroactive bacteria. Another important aspect for the upscaling of MET is their operation modes, that is, intermittent or continuous. This chapter includes a performance description and outputs of the two main reactor designs using GAC as electrode materials: fixed- and fluidized-bed reactors. These will be discussed for bioanodes and cathodes in microbial fuel cells (MFC) but also for biocathodes in microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) and microbial electrosynthesis cells (MES). Finally, a general comparison will be given about the two main granular bed reactor configurations, highlighting their main advantages and drawbacks.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEmerging Trends and Advances in Microbial Electrochemical Technologies
Subtitle of host publicationHypothesis, Design, Operation, and Applications
EditorsHamid Reza Pourghasemi, Narges Kariminejad
PublisherElsevier
Pages425-478
Number of pages54
ISBN (Electronic)9780443155574
ISBN (Print)9780443159305
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Aug 2024

Keywords

  • charge storage
  • Granular-activated carbon
  • granular-bed reactor
  • microbial electrolysis
  • microbial electrosynthesis
  • microbial fuel cell
  • microporosity
  • operation mode
  • reactor configuration
  • surface chemistry
  • wastewater treatment

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