Conversion of lignocellulose residue obtained from biorefinery stream to electricity by microbial fuel cell

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, Ecole Centrale School of Engineering, Mahindra University, Telangana, India
² Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
³ Department of Agro-Industrial, Food, and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
⁴ Biorefinery and Process Automation Engineering Center, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

^* Corresponding author: macintous@gmail.com

Abstract

In general, lignocellulose biorefinery has the main functions to fractionate biomass compositions and convert them to value-added products. However, leftover organic compounds in output streams are mixed with large amounts of wastewater becoming the cost and burden for treatment. Therefore, to close the loop of circular economy, this review paper explores the potential of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as a sustainable and efficient way to convert lignocellulose residue, a byproduct of biorefinery processes, into electricity. Lignocellulose residue is a complex mixture of carbohydrates and lignin that is often difficult to dispose of properly. By using MFCs, this waste material can be converted into valuable energy while reducing the environmental impact of its disposal. The paper covers the different types of MFCs, their working principles, and their potential application in lignocellulose residue conversion. It also discusses the factors that affect the performance of MFCs, including substrate availability, electrode material, and reactor design. Additionally, the paper reviews the current state of research in this area, highlighting recent advances and identifying areas for future exploration. Overall, this review paper demonstrates the promise of MFCs as a sustainable and innovative approach to converting lignocellulose residue into electricity.