Addressing scale-up challenges and enhancement in performance of hydrogen-producing microbial electrolysis cell through electrode modifications

Bioelectrohydrogenesis using a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) is promising technology for simultaneous hydrogen production and wastewater treatment which uses electrogenic microbes. Microbial activity at the anode evolution reaction cathode can be controlled by electrode–microbe interaction electron transfer. The selection of electrode material governed electrochemical oxidation substrates subsequent transfer to anode. Similarly, good cathodic should reduce overpotential enhance H2 recovery. This review mainly focused on modifications in materials cheaper novel alternatives improve performance MEC overcome its scale-up challenges practical applications. Performance various based Ni alloys, stainless steel, polyaniline, palladium, carbon has been discussed. scalability consider inexpensive fabrication procedure efficiency.