Production of Bio-alkanes from Biomass and CO2

Bioelectrochemical technologies such as electro-fermentation and microbial CO2 electrosynthesis are emerging interdisciplinary technologies that can produce renewable fuels and chemicals (such as carboxylic acids). The benefits of electrically driven bioprocesses include improved production rate, selectivity, and carbon conversion efficiency. However, the accumulation of products can lead to inhibition of biocatalysts, necessitating further effort in separating products. The recent discovery of a new photoenzyme, capable of converting carboxylic acids to bio-alkanes, has offered an opportunity for system integration, providing a promising approach for simultaneous product separation and valorisation. Combining the strengths of photo/bio/electrochemical catalysis, we discuss an innovative circular cascading system that converts biomass and CO2 to value-added bio-alkanes (CnH2n+2, n = 2 to 5) whilst achieving carbon circularity.

Automated summary

Bioelectrochemical technologies can produce renewable fuels and chemicals, with the recent discovery of a new photoenzyme offering a potential approach for simultaneous product separation and valorization.