Complementing next generation microfluidic bioelectrochemical systems with electrochemical theory and simulations

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Bio-electrochemical systems (BES) couple redox chemical transformations to metabolic cycles in electrode-adhered biofilms (EABs) of electroactive bacteria. Applications include breakdown of organic waste molecules into small molecules, while producing energy or reducing energy required for electrosynthesis. Thus, BES are next-generation cleantech for a sustainable economy. This collaboration will replicate recent successes in combining theory and experiment in electrocatalysis1 for deeper insights and new applications involving BES. Microfluidic based BES hold the potential to streamline certain processes, enhance throughput, and improve figures of merit. The Greener group at U. Laval has become a leading developer of microfluidic BES and have used them for studies that have provided detailed understanding into fundamental aspects of EABs. This international collaboration seeks to generate new tools and knowledge aimed towards improving microfluidic BES. This requires help from Professor Hall's group at Penn State to adapt previously developed models based in rigorous electrochemistry theory to properly describe microfluidic bio-electrochemical flow cells. This will lead to new computer simulation methods that the Hall group will lead to merge computational fluidic dynamics simulations with mass-transport and electrochemical functionality that will accelerate development of new devices and to align our efforts with best practices in the field.The wider outcome of this collaboration will contribute to Canadian cleantech system development with the ultimate target being flow-based microbial fuel cells that can reduce costs and energy required for municipal waste-water treatment, which currently consume huge amounts of energy and produce proportional CO2 outputs. Eliminating these costs and emissions will be critical for achieving carbon neutrality in the coming decades and spin-off products will boost the Canadian economy. The collaboration features two experts in the field with complementary skills and is underpinned by a solid training plan with a heavy focus on equity, diversity and inclusion.