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

Vasan Sivalingam, Carlos Dinamarca, Gamunu Samarakoon, Dietmar Winkler and Rune Bakke
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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

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 8, 1-5

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.

Keywords: microbial electrosynthesis; biogas; biomethane; proton source; ammonium oxidation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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