Unraveling the potential of solar-bioelectrochemical CO2 conversion for third generation biorefineries

• Published in: Current opinion in electrochemistry 2024-06, Vol.45, p.101513, Article 101513
• Main Authors: Sahoo, Prakash C., Pant, Deepak, Kumar, Manoj, Gupta, R.P., Srivastava, Umish
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Photoelectrode-based electrosynthesis; PV-assisted microbial electrosynthesis; Third generation biorefineries; Whole-cell photo biohybrid
• ISSN: 2451-9103; 2451-9111
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101513

Sustainable production of solar-based chemicals via solar-powered bioelectrosynthesis is crucial for the role of third generation biorefineries in achieving a resilient future. However, the limited conversion efficiency and poor selectivity of solar-powered bioelectrosynthesis pose significant challenges to the development of solar-to-chemical conversion. The integration of inorganic, organic, or semiconducting light-harvesting materials with efficient microorganisms forms an interface, allowing the capture of solar energy for the biosynthesis of chemicals from CO2. This concise review explores recent developments in solar-bioelectrochemical CO2 conversion within the realm of third generation biorefineries, offering insights into the potential of these systems for sustainable and cost-effective chemical production. The review also delves into the commercial aspects of solar-bioelectrochemical processes, highlighting recent advancements in photovoltaic (PV)-assisted microbial electrosynthesis, direct photoelectrode-based electrosynthesis, and whole-cell photo biohybrid systems.