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Hybridization of photoanode and biocathode enables biogas upgrading via Methanosarcina barkeri

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  • Dong, He
  • Zhang, Haowen
  • Li, Haoyong
  • Zhang, Hui
  • Lu, Wenduo
  • Sun, Dezhi
  • Liu, Xinying
  • Dang, Yan

Abstract

Light-driven microbial electrochemical technology (MET) is energy-saving and environmentally friendly for biogas upgrading. However, the transfer mechanism of photoelectrons within either electrode circuit or cathode-methanogen remains unclear. Here, the graphitic carbon nitride/carbon cloth (g-C3N4/CC) and Methanosarcina barkeri were incorporated in a hybrid photoelectrochemical-microbial system (HPMS) to upgrade biogas by reducing CO2 to CH4. The differential charge density analysis confirmed that photoelectrons from g-C3N4 could feasibly transfer to CC. The photocurrent could be generated under visible light, resulting in higher CH4 yield of 0.238 mmol in the experimental group versus control group, corresponding to a 63 % increase in CH4 content of biogas. The quantum efficiency and Faradaic efficiency of the HPMS reached 1.99 % and 92.99 %, respectively. The increased expression of genes related to CO2 reduction and Direct Electron Transfer (DET) pathway indicated M. barkeri could effectively capture photoelectrons for biogas upgrading. This study provides insights into the design and mechanism of HPMS for CO2 reduction to CH4, which facilitates the development of sustainable and economical MET based biogas upgrading.

Suggested Citation

  • Dong, He & Zhang, Haowen & Li, Haoyong & Zhang, Hui & Lu, Wenduo & Sun, Dezhi & Liu, Xinying & Dang, Yan, 2025. "Hybridization of photoanode and biocathode enables biogas upgrading via Methanosarcina barkeri," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 241(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:241:y:2025:i:c:s0960148124023784
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.122310
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    Keywords

    Biogas upgrading; HPMS; g-C3N4/CC; Methanosarcina barkeri; DET;
    All these keywords.

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