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A critical review on biofilm-based reactor systems for enhanced syngas fermentation processes

Gunes, Burcu (2021) A critical review on biofilm-based reactor systems for enhanced syngas fermentation processes. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 143 . ISSN 1364-0321

Abstract
For encouraging industrial growth based on sustainability, renewable energy sources as replacement of fossil fuels have gained a great importance worldwide. Syngas fermentation fulfills the requirements for sustainable bioenergy and biochemical productions. In comparison to other gas to biofuel conversion methods such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, it not only requires less energy owing to its low operating temperature and pressure, it also offers greater flexibility in terms of feedstock composition as well as variety of the end products. In addition, biological catalysts are capable of adopting presence of impurities in syngas whereas metal catalysts get deac- tivated. Lanzatech has successful commercial plants in operation utilising the CO rich off gas from the steel industry. However, low mass transfer rate in the gas-liquid interface is the major obstacle which renders widespread adoption and industrial applications of the process limited. Recent research data indicates the capability of the biofilm reactors on improving mass transfer rates as well as achieving greater process stability. This review collates the literature on impact of biofilm technology to provide new insights in syngas fermentation to guide future research towards commercialisation of renewable sustainable biofuels and biochemicals. In this regard, operation principles, economic perspectives and mass transfer mechanisms of various biofilm reactors are compared among each other as well as with the conventional reactor configurations. Current commercialisation stage of syngas fermentation is summarised along with pilot scale patent as the initiatives of future plants. Overall, operation challenges from both microbial and bioprocessing standpoint are highlighted, and potential solutions are provided.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Additional Information:Article Number 110950
Uncontrolled Keywords:Syngas fermentation; Biofuels; Biofilm reactor configurations; Wood-ljungdahl pathway; Mass transfer; Sustainability
Subjects:Biological Sciences > Biotechnology
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Biotechnology
Research Initiatives and Centres > Water Institute
Publisher:Elsevier
Official URL:https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.110950
Copyright Information:© 2021 The Author. Open access
ID Code:25674
Deposited On:23 Mar 2021 13:24 by Burcu Gunes . Last Modified 24 Mar 2021 14:08
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