The Electrochemical and Micro Engineering Group has a research branch in bioenergy. The research focuses on developing photo-bioelectrochemical systems (photo-BESs) as an alternative sustainable source of energy. Photo-BESs are used to harvest light energy for its conversion into bioelectricity by using microorganisms as biocatalysts. The work presented involves two types of microorganisms: oxygenic photosynthetic S. elongatus and anoxygenic photosynthetic R. palustris. The operation of the BESs depends on the ability of these microorganisms to perform extracellular electron export. S. elongatus are used in biophotovoltaic (BPV) platforms to generate bioelectricity from the oxidation of water at the anode and reduction of oxygen at the cathode.
R. palustris is employed in a photosynthetic microbial fuel cell (photoMFC). In an anoxic environment, bioelectricity is generated by the oxidation of an electron donor, such as glycerol, at the anode and by the reduction of oxygen at the cathode. R. palustris has the additional benefit of generating a high value-added chemical in form of hydrogen. Through our research, we try to contribute towards a resource efficient and sustainable economy by using inexpensive and widely available microbes.
In relation to our BPV activities, the Group won the Newton Prize 2017 together with our collaborators at the University of Malaya in Malaysia. The project involves the bioremediation of palm oil mill effluent (POME) for the combined output of sustainable energy and cleaner wastewater generation.
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