What if bacteria could generate electricity on a large scale?

Imagine a world where bacteria become tiny electricity generators. Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) make this possible! These devices convert chemical energy into electricity using microorganisms as catalysts. So far, they have been mostly tested in labs. Scaling these technologies for large-scale use is a complex challenge, but not impossible. Recent studies have made significant progress, addressing major technical and economic difficulties. Some case studies have already shown the potential of these technologies. And the future? The prospects are exciting, with new trends that could revolutionize how we produce energy.

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) exploit the ability of certain bacteria to transfer electrons externally, a process known as extracellular respiration. This mechanism underlies the functioning of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). MFCs generate electricity directly from the degradation of organic substances, while MECs use electricity to produce hydrogen or other chemical compounds. One of the main obstacles to scalability is internal electrical resistance, which reduces system efficiency. Researchers are developing new electrode materials and innovative configurations to minimize this issue. Additionally, optimizing fermentation processes and selecting more efficient bacterial strains are promising areas of research. Some studies have shown that the use of continuous flow bioreactors can significantly improve the performance of BES at scale.