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Methane enrichment through hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis in a thermophilic trickling biofilter reactor under different pressures

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  • Chu, Chin-Pang
  • Liu, Yu-Tzu
  • Kuo, Wen-Chien
  • Liang, Chih-Ming
  • Hsieh, Ping-Heng

Abstract

This study investigated hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis in a laboratory-scale trickling biofilter reactor (TBR) under thermophilic conditions and different pressures. The objective was methane enrichment of biogas by converting H2 and CO2 into CH4. Gas utilization and methane conversion efficiencies were evaluated to assess the feasibility of this biological upgrading process. Additionally, 16S rDNA full-length sequencing was conducted to investigate microbial community dynamics under both atmospheric and pressurized conditions. Results showed that applying pressure enhanced gas utilization and increased the methane concentration of the outlet biogas to above 95 %, with a methane conversion rate of 88.3 %. Microbial analysis revealed that Methanothermobacter became dominant under both operating conditions, highlighting its crucial role in hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. These findings demonstrate the potential of thermophilic and pressurized TBR systems to enrich biogas for biomethane applications, indicating their relevance to future carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) strategies. However, further evaluation of energy balance and economics is still required for large-scale implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Chu, Chin-Pang & Liu, Yu-Tzu & Kuo, Wen-Chien & Liang, Chih-Ming & Hsieh, Ping-Heng, 2026. "Methane enrichment through hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis in a thermophilic trickling biofilter reactor under different pressures," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:259:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125027375
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.125073
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Rachbauer, Lydia & Voitl, Gregor & Bochmann, Günther & Fuchs, Werner, 2016. "Biological biogas upgrading capacity of a hydrogenotrophic community in a trickle-bed reactor," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 483-490.
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