Recent advances in enhancing microbial electrosynthesis performance: Innovations in cathode design and reactor engineering

The combustion of fossil fuels and industrial emissions poses significant environmental challenges. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is an emerging technology with the potential to convert CO2 into valuable organic compounds such as methane, acetic acid, and alcohols. Despite notable progress over the past decade, improvements in MES productivity and energy efficiency are still required to advance its commercial viability. This review provides a concise summary and critical assessment of recent advancements in MES enhancement strategies, with a focus on cathode design and reactor engineering. Innovations in advanced materials, including graphene, conductive polymers, and bio-hybrid constructs, have improved electron transfer, microbial loading, and performance. Reactor engineering focuses on optimizing direct and H2-mediated electron transfer, enhancing CO2 supply, reducing energy consumption, and integrating hybrid systems utilizing C1 or C2-mediated electron pathways. These developments address key challenges, providing a foundation for advancing MES as a sustainable, commercially viable technology for CO2 utilization.