High efficiency microbial electrosynthesis of acetate from carbon dioxide using a novel graphene–nickel foam as cathode

作者：Tian‐shun Song, Kangqing Fei, Hongkun Zhang, Hao Yuan, Yang Yang, Pingkai Ouyang, Jingjing Xie · 发表于：Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology · 年份：2017 · DOI：10.1002/jctb.5376 · 被引用次数：66 · 研究领域：Microbial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation、Supercapacitor Materials and Fabrication、CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts

Abstract BACKGROUND Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a biocathode‐driven process, producing high‐value chemicals, from CO 2 . However, the low efficiency of the biocathode hinders the MES process efficiency significantly. RESULTS A novel 3D graphene–nickel foam (G‐NF) cathode has been fabricated, by hydrothermal approach for the improvement of microbially‐catalyzed reduction at the MES cathode. An increase of 1.8 times in the volumetric acetate production rate was obtained, compared with the untreated nickel foam. In MES with G‐NF, a volumetric acetate production rate of 3.11 mmol L ‐1 day ‐1 has been achieved; 70% of the electrons consumed were recovered and the final acetate concentration reached 5.46 g L ‐1 within 28 days. CONCLUSION The hierarchical porous G‐NF cathode improved bacterial colonization and the efficiency of mass, nutrients and protons transfer due to its 3D composition; the graphene coating considerably increased the effective surface area for microbial adhesion, as well as the electron transfer rate of biofilm in the MES. This study attempted to improve the efficiency of the biocathode, and provides a promising large electrode for large‐scale MES devices. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry