Bio-electrochemical systems
The present invention provides bio-electrochemical systems having various configurations for the treatment of water, wastewater, gases, and other biodegradable matter. In one aspect, the invention provides bio-electrochemical systems configured for treating wastewater while generating multiple outputs. In another aspect, the invention provides bio-electrochemical systems configured for improving the efficiency of electrodialysis removal systems. In yet another aspect, the invention provides bio-electro-chemical systems configured for use in banks and basins.
1. A bio-electrochemical system comprising:
an aqueous chamber comprising a first anode and a first cathode and configured to dispose at least one electrogenic microbe;
a gaseous chamber comprising a second cathode; and
a hydrophobic barrier or a selectively permeable barrier separating the gaseous chamber from the aqueous chamber.
2. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 1 , capable of producing water, hydrogen, methane, and electricity.
3. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 2 , wherein the hydrogen is produced via an anaerobic reaction in the presence of an applied voltage.
4. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 2 , wherein the methane is produced via the reduction of CO 2 in the presence of an applied voltage.
5. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 1 , wherein the first anode and the first and second cathodes are electrically connected.
6. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 1 , further comprising a second anode.
7. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 1 , wherein the first anode is configured to receive the at least one electrogenic microbe.
8. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 1 , wherein the first cathode is configured to receive the at least one electrogenic microbe.
9. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 1 , further comprising a voltage source configured to apply a voltage to the first cathode.
10. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 1 , further comprising a voltage source configured to apply a voltage to the second cathode.
11. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 1 , wherein the first anode and the first and second cathodes are configured to rotate.
12. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 1 , wherein the gaseous chamber is adjacent to the aqueous chamber.
13. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 1 , wherein the gaseous chamber is arranged sequentially from the aqueous chamber.
14. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 1 , wherein the first cathode is configured to be fully immersed in an aqueous electrolyte.
15. The bio-electrochemical system of claim 14 , wherein the second cathode is fully within the gaseous chamber.
16. A bio-electrochemical system comprising:
an aqueous chamber comprising a first and a second anode and at least one cathode, wherein the first anode is electrically coupled to the at least one cathode disposed in the aqueous chamber;
a gaseous chamber separated from the aqueous chamber by a hydrophobic barrier or a selectively permeable barrier and comprising at least one cathode,
wherein the second anode is electrically coupled to the at least one cathode disposed in the gaseous chamber; and
at least one electrogenic microbe disposed in the aqueous chamber.