This work reports on the novel formation of caustic potash (KOH) directly on the MFC cathode locking carbon dioxide into potassium bicarbonate salt (kalicinite) while producing, instead of consuming electrical power. Using potassium-rich wastewater as a fuel for microorganisms to generate electricity in the anode chamber, has resulted in the formation of caustic catholyte directly on the surface of the cathode electrode. Analysis of this liquid has shown to be highly alkaline (pH>13) and act as a CO2 sorbent. It has been later mineralized to kalicinite thus locking carbon dioxide into potassium bicarbonate salt. This work demonstrates an electricity generation method as a simple, cost-effective and environmentally friendly route towards CO2 sequestration that perhaps leads to carbon negative economy. Moreover, it shows a potential application for both electricity production and nutrient recovery in a mineral form from nutrient-rich wastewater stream such as urine for use as fertilizer in the future.

Gajda, I., Greenman, J., Melhuish, C., Santoro, C., Ieropoulos, I. (2016). Microbial Fuel Cell-driven caustic potash production from wastewater for carbon sequestration. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, 215, 285-289 [10.1016/j.biortech.2016.04.004].

Microbial Fuel Cell-driven caustic potash production from wastewater for carbon sequestration

Santoro C;
2016

Abstract

This work reports on the novel formation of caustic potash (KOH) directly on the MFC cathode locking carbon dioxide into potassium bicarbonate salt (kalicinite) while producing, instead of consuming electrical power. Using potassium-rich wastewater as a fuel for microorganisms to generate electricity in the anode chamber, has resulted in the formation of caustic catholyte directly on the surface of the cathode electrode. Analysis of this liquid has shown to be highly alkaline (pH>13) and act as a CO2 sorbent. It has been later mineralized to kalicinite thus locking carbon dioxide into potassium bicarbonate salt. This work demonstrates an electricity generation method as a simple, cost-effective and environmentally friendly route towards CO2 sequestration that perhaps leads to carbon negative economy. Moreover, it shows a potential application for both electricity production and nutrient recovery in a mineral form from nutrient-rich wastewater stream such as urine for use as fertilizer in the future.
Articolo in rivista - Articolo scientifico
Microbial Fuel Cell; Caustic potash; Kalicinite; Carbon capture; Wet scrubbing
English
2016
215
285
289
open
Gajda, I., Greenman, J., Melhuish, C., Santoro, C., Ieropoulos, I. (2016). Microbial Fuel Cell-driven caustic potash production from wastewater for carbon sequestration. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, 215, 285-289 [10.1016/j.biortech.2016.04.004].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/301315
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