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Pyrolysed almond shells used as electrodes in microbial electrolysis cell

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Abstract

The large cost of components used in microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) reactors represents an important limitation that is delaying the commercial implementation of this technology. In this work, we explore the feasibility of using pyrolysed almond shells (PAS) as a material for producing low-cost anodes for use in MEC systems. This was done by comparing the microbial populations that developed on the surface of PAS bioanodes with those present on the carbon felt (CF) bioanodes traditionally used in MECs. Raw almond shells were pyrolysed at three different temperatures, obtaining the best conductive material at the highest temperature (1000 °C). The behaviour of this material was then verified using a single-chamber cell. Subsequently, the main test was carried out using two-chamber cells and the microbial populations extant on each of the bioanodes were analysed. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene for eubacterial populations was carried out in order to compare the microbial communities attached to each type of electrode. The microbial populations on each electrode were also quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) to determine the amount of bacteria capable of growing on the electrodes’ surface. The results indicated that the newly developed PAS bioanodes possess a biofilm similar to those found on the surface of traditional CF electrodes.

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Acknowledgements

This research was possible thanks to the financial support of the Junta de Castilla y León and was financed by European Regional Development Funds (Ref #: LE320P18). C. B. thanks the Spanish Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte for support in the form of an FPI fellowship grant (Ref #: BES-2016-078329). R. M. A. thanks the University of León for predoctoral contract support and J. G-A. thanks the Junta de Castilla y León (Consejería de Educación) and European Social Funds for fellowship support (Ref #: EDU/1100/2017).

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  1. Chemical and Environmental Bioprocess Engineering Group, Natural Resources Institute (IRENA), Universidad de León, Av. de Portugal 41, 24009, León, Spain

    Cristian Arenas, Ana Sotres, Raúl M. Alonso, Judith González-Arias, Antonio Morán & Xiomar Gómez

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  1. Cristian Arenas
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  2. Ana Sotres
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Correspondence to Xiomar Gómez.

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Arenas, C., Sotres, A., Alonso, R.M. et al. Pyrolysed almond shells used as electrodes in microbial electrolysis cell. Biomass Conv. Bioref. 12, 313–321 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-020-00664-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-020-00664-7

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