Predictions of the bio-methanol synthesis in the future

Recently, a new collaborative project and research has been made by Dr.
Sven Kerzenmacherm, to propose the bio-methanol synthesis process by using
microbial electrolysis cell. In this process, the objective is to produce efficient
and sustainable production of carbon dioxide (CO 2) and hydrogen (H2) by using
waste water from municipal or industry unlike the conventional method that use
fossil fuels.
Basically, by referring to (Figure 1) this technology use exoelectrogenic
bacteria as a terminal electron acceptor instead of oxygen whilst at the same
time producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and protons from organic carbon. From the
bacterial degradation of the waste water it generates electricity. Oxygen
reduction occurs at the cathode which completes the electron cycle and
simultaneously producing hydrogen (H 2). Furthermore, the electricity is
generated directly from the waste water organic carbon fraction which contains
energy-rich part. Hence, additional amount of voltage will be applied between
the two terminals of the fuel cell which is why this process were called microbial
electrolysis.

Figure 1: Schematic diagram of the bio-methanol synthesis using microbial

electrolysis cell
On the other hand, this research has not been tested on a large scale
production and also many circumstances and factor need to be taken into
account to achieved optimisation for this process. In contrast to the

conventional method this alternative technology has a potential becoming a

successful bio-methanol synthesis.

Table 1: Represents the advantages and disadvantages of microbial electrolysis

over conventional method

Advantages
Generates electricity on its own
by the bacterial degradation
instead undergoes of process

that use a lot of energy

The resource is renewable
Does not requires a considerable
amount of electricity

Disadvantages
Capital cost estimated is to be
high