Bioelectrochemical Power-to-Gas: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Bioelectrochemical power-to-gas (BEP2G) is considered a potentially convenient way of storing renewable surplus electricity in the form of methane. In methane-producing bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), carbon dioxide and electrical energy are converted into methane, using electrodes that supply either electrons or hydrogen to methanogenic archaea. This review summarizes the performance of methane-producing BESs in relation to cathode potential, electrode materials, operational strategies, and inoculum. Analysis and estimation of energy input and production rates show that BEP2G may become an attractive alternative for thermochemical methanation, and biochemical methanogenesis. To determine if BEP2G can become a future power-to-gas technology, challenges relating to cathodic energy losses, choice of a suitable electron donor, efficient reactor design/operation, and experience with large reactors need to be overcome.

Keywords: Biocathode; Bioelectrochemical power-to-gas; Bioelectrochemical systems; Methane; Methanogenic archaea.