Advancements in microbial electrochemical technologies: transitioning from laboratory research to industrial applications

Abstract Non-technical summary The growing impact of climate change and the global shift toward a carbon-neutral economy necessitate the development of sustainable technologies. Microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) innovatively utilize microorganisms to generate electricity and produce valuable chemicals from organic and inorganic materials. While METs have demonstrated significant potential in wastewater treatment and carbon recycling at the laboratory scale, the challenge remains in scaling the technologies for industrial applications. This transition could revolutionize clean energy production and environmental protection, laying the foundation for a sustainable future. Technical summary METs offer innovative solutions for pollution reduction and sustainable energy production. By integrating microbial metabolic processes with electrochemical systems, METs facilitate the conversion of organic and inorganic substrates into electricity, chemicals, or fuels. Research at the laboratory scale has demonstrated the substantial potential of METs in wastewater treatment, carbon resource utilization, and energy recovery. However, scaling METs from the lab to industrial applications involves challenges about system design, operational stability, economic feasibility, and technological integration. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the scaling up of METs, including microbial fuel cells, microbial electrolysis cells, and microbial electrosynthesis systems. It highlights recent advancements in reactor and electrode design, and operational conditions, and offers insights for future research and development aimed at successful industrial implementation. Social media summary Breakthrough in METs is set to revolutionize how we treat wastewater and recycle carbon. As METs move from the lab to large-scale applications, they have the potential to reshape industries and drive us closer to a carbon-neutral economy.