Microbial electrosynthesis of butyrate from carbon dioxide

Abstract

This work proves for the first time the bioelectrochemical production of butyrate from CO₂ as a sole carbon source. The highest concentration of butyrate achieved was 20.2 mMC, with a maximum butyrate production rate of 1.82 mMC d⁻¹. The electrochemical characterisation demonstrated that the CO₂ reduction to butyrate was hydrogen driven. Production of ethanol and butanol was also observed opening up the potential for biofuel production.