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Ammonium as a Carbon-Free Electron and Proton Source in Microbial Electrosynthesis Processes

Author

Listed:
  • Vasan Sivalingam

    (Department of Process, Energy and Environmental Technology, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3918 Porsgrunn, Norway)

  • Carlos Dinamarca

    (Department of Process, Energy and Environmental Technology, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3918 Porsgrunn, Norway)

  • Gamunu Samarakoon

    (Department of Process, Energy and Environmental Technology, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3918 Porsgrunn, Norway)

  • Dietmar Winkler

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Cybernetics, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3918 Porsgrunn, Norway)

  • Rune Bakke

    (Department of Process, Energy and Environmental Technology, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3918 Porsgrunn, Norway)

Abstract

Biogas upgrading to biomethane with microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is receiving much attention due to increasing biomethane demands and surplus renewable energy. Research has demonstrated the feasibility of MES to increase methane yield by reducing CO 2 in anaerobic digestion (AD). Such CO 2 reduction occurs at the cathode and requires the supply of both protons and electrons. The most studied sources of protons and electrons are oxidation of organic substances and water, generated at the anode. These anodic reactions, however, also imply the production of CO 2 and O 2 , respectively, both with negative implications for the AD process. A source of protons and electrons without CO 2 and O 2 as by-products would be beneficial for MES-enhanced biomethane production. This opinion article discusses the possibility of ammonium to serve as a sustainable proton and electron source.

Suggested Citation

  • Vasan Sivalingam & Carlos Dinamarca & Gamunu Samarakoon & Dietmar Winkler & Rune Bakke, 2020. "Ammonium as a Carbon-Free Electron and Proton Source in Microbial Electrosynthesis Processes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-5, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:8:p:3081-:d:344549
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Guo, Mingxin & Song, Weiping & Buhain, Jeremy, 2015. "Bioenergy and biofuels: History, status, and perspective," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 712-725.
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