Work

Quantifying hybrid electrochemical–biological CO₂ conversion systems

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Hybrid electro-biomanufacturing provides an attractive route for converting CO₂ into fuels and chemicals beyond the constraints of natural photosynthesis. However, achieving systems-level high productivity and efficiency while maintaining robust electro-biological (electrobio) operation remains a key challenge. This mini review quantitatively benchmarks electrobio system architectures by evaluating the kinetic and chemical compatibility between electrochemical CO₂ reduction and biological conversion to identify the key determinants of performance and scalability. We demonstrate that carbon intermediate compatibility is the primary requirement for successful integration, while production-consumption rate matching ultimately determines system efficiency and scale-up potential. Together, these insights establish electrobio compatibility as a critical yet underappreciated design principle for guiding the development of next-generation electrobio manufacturing platforms.

Source: Current Opinion in Biotechnology

DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2026.103586

Authors: Yuanhao Liang, Qikun Hu, Kainan Chen, Susie Y Dai

Institution: Washington University in St. Louis

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,530