Methanogenesis control by electrolytic oxygen production in microbial electrolysis cells

High purity H2 production using microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) is often limited by methanogenesis. Here methanogenesis was effectively controlled by electrolytic oxygen production. Oxygen production was induced intermittently using two stainless steel electrodes, which were used as the MEC cathode during Normal operation. It was found that oxygen should be produced every 12 h or more frequently because of rapid hydrogenotrophic methanogen …