Global challenges such as rising CO₂ emissions, the finite nature of fossil resources and the transition to renewable energies require new and efficient processes to produce chemicals, e.g. for pharmaceuticals or biofuels. One promising technology for converting CO₂ into chemical products is microbial electrosynthesis (MES). The special feature of MES is its high energy efficiency of over 80 % when converting electricity into chemicals.

The aim of the “CoMet2” project is to develop an electro-biotechnological 200% cell (coupled bio-electrosynthesis). This cell is characterized by the fact that valuable products are generated at both the anode and the cathode. In conventional electrochemical systems, a usable product is usually only produced at one electrode. The team from the fields of microbiology, bioinformatics, electrochemical process engineering and bioprocess engineering is developing an integrated reaction concept. This involves cultivating an artificial co-culture of microorganisms. This consists of two types of microorganisms (methanogens and methanotrophs) that require different conditions (anaerobic and aerobic). Methanogens convert CO₂ into methane. Methanotrophs then convert this methane into valuable chemicals. This conversion would enable a new type of sustainable bioproduction that reduces_CO2 and replaces fossil raw materials.

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Accounting for 11% of electricity demand, the process industry is one of the main consumers of electrical energy in Germany. Converting the process industry to a renewable electricity supply is therefore crucial to the success of the energy transition. Up to now, the electricity requirements of the processes have been covered according to demand. With a variable renewable power supply, however, processes must be able to be operated flexibly in line with the electricity supply in the future. For the design and operation of flexible processes, fundamentally new methods and procedures must therefore be developed and tested in real applications. At the same time, the electrical energy supply must be flexibly adaptable in order to harmonize the integration of renewable energy sources with supply-oriented process management. New concepts and technologies must also be developed and investigated in this area. Expertise from the fields of chemistry, biotechnology and process engineering, electrical energy technology, production management and sustainable recycling management must be brought together in a targeted manner. The interdisciplinary project team is tackling this field of research. A particular focus is placed on batch processes and DC-based supply networks. The former are widespread in the process industry, both in medium-sized and large companies, and therefore make a significant contribution to electricity demand. The latter are particularly advantageous for linking electricity-based production processes with renewable generators and storage facilities.

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