Application of bioelectromethanation using an electroactive methanogen for the biogas upgrading

Abstract

Bioelectromethanation was tested using an isolated strain, Methanothermobacter sp., for biogas upgrading. The investigated method showed faster bioelectrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to methane with higher coulombic efficiency than previously reported without additional hydrogen and mediator supplementation. Bioelectromethanation can utilize carbon dioxide, unlike gas separation methods, and actually requires a less negative potential than in water electrolysis. The isolated methanogens showed a relatively fast conversion to methane compared to the previously reported methane production rate and current intensity. Through further research on electroactive methanogens and the development of operation technology, bioelectromethanation can be applied for biogas upgrading with a lower energy requirement but without CO2 emissions.