Bioelectrochemical cathode reactions

Microsensors and CV can be coupled to assess ORR in cathodic biofilms operating in aerobic environments and to investigate cathodic reaction mechanisms operating in biocathodes in SMFCs and other bioelectrochemical systems. 

Diurliat H, Courteix A, Comtat M. Reactions of horseradish peroxidase on a platinum cathode. Bioelectrochem Bioenerg 1989 22 197-209. 

Kim and co-workers reported the development of a bioelectrochemical process that delivers electrons, via an electrochemical cell, to a highly active SRB strain, designated D. desulfuricans M6 (16,17). The reaction was carried out with the cathode in contact with a mixture of the sulfiir-containing substrate, the microorganism, and methyl viologen as an electron mediator. Studies with DBTs demonstrated the production of biphenyl and H2S. Furthermore, experiments nm with crude oil and diesel oil resulted in a 20% reduction in total sulfur. Additional results were published, showing a reduction in sulfiir content of 17.7%, 29.4%, and 58.9% for heavy fractions of Iranian, Basra (Iraq), and Kuwait crude oils. 

Bioelectrochemical Hydrogen Production, Fig.1 Schematic layout of a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) showing the anode and cathode chamber, the electrodes with attached biocatalysts, the membrane separator and the power supply, as well as the anodic and cathodic half reactions. AEM anion exchange membrane, CEM cation exchange membrane... 

A bioelectrochemical system (BES) is an electrochemical device used to convert electrical energy into chemical energy and vice versa. A BES consists of an anode and a cathode compartment, often separated by an ion-selective membrane. The anode is the site of the oxidation reaction which liberates electrons to the electrode and protons to the electrolyte the cathode is the site of the reduction reaction, which consumes the electrons to reduce a final electron acceptor. To maintain electroneutrality of the system, protons (or other cations) need to migrate to the cathode through the ion-selective membrane. Depending on the half-cell potentials of the electrodes, a BES can be operated either as a microbial fuel cell (MFC), in which electric energy is generated, or as a microbial... 

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