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Bioelectrochemical Systems: An Outlook for Practical Applications
Author(s) -
Sleutels Tom H. J. A.,
Ter Heijne Annemiek,
Buisman Cees J. N.,
Hamelers Hubertus V. M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201100732
Subject(s) - microbial fuel cell , internal resistance , microbial electrolysis cell , environmental science , biochemical engineering , cathodic protection , electrolysis , hydrogen production , wastewater , current (fluid) , production (economics) , electricity , process engineering , renewable energy , capital cost , electricity generation , pulp and paper industry , environmental engineering , chemistry , hydrogen , anode , power (physics) , engineering , electrical engineering , electrode , physics , battery (electricity) , electrolyte , macroeconomics , quantum mechanics , organic chemistry , economics
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 m 2 ) 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.