Solar-driven methanogenesis with ultrahigh selectivity by turning down H2 production at biotic-abiotic interface

Jie Ye, Chao Wang, Chao Gao, Tao Fu, Chaohui Yang, Guoping Ren, Jian Lü, Shungui Zhou () and Yujie Xiong ()
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Jie Ye: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Chao Wang: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Chao Gao: University of Science and Technology of China
Tao Fu: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Chaohui Yang: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Guoping Ren: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Jian Lü: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Shungui Zhou: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Yujie Xiong: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Integration of methanogens with semiconductors is an effective approach to sustainable solar-driven methanogenesis. However, the H2 production rate by semiconductors largely exceeds that of methanogen metabolism, resulting in abundant H2 as side product. Here, we report that binary metallic active sites (namely, NiCu alloys) are incorporated into the interface between CdS semiconductors and Methanosarcina barkeri. The self-assembled Methanosarcina barkeri-NiCu@CdS exhibits nearly 100% CH4 selectivity with a quantum yield of 12.41 ± 0.16% under light illumination, which not only exceeds the reported biotic-abiotic hybrid systems but also is superior to most photocatalytic systems. Further investigation reveal that the Ni-Cu-Cu hollow sites in NiCu alloys can directly supply hydrogen atoms and electrons through photocatalysis to the Methanosarcina barkeri for methanogenesis via both extracellular and intracellular hydrogen cycles, effectively turning down the H2 production. This work provides important insights into the biotic-abiotic hybrid interface, and offers an avenue for engineering the methanogenesis process.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34423-1

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