Microbial electrodes

Abstract

Microorganisms interacting with electrodes are at the centre of the evolving research field of microbial electrochemical technologies. The interdisciplinarity of the topic of microbial electrodes, including electrochemistry, microbiology and engineering, provides exciting opportunities and poses challenges. For further consolidation of the field, a solid methodology and approach as well as reporting are required. In this Primer, we provide an overview of the key parameters and main electrochemical methods, and the insights that can be obtained from microbial electrodes. These are exemplified and discussed for two case studies, one related to bioanodes and one related to biocathodes. The main applications of microbial electrodes, as well as challenges and directions for research, are summarized. Microbial electrodes combine electroactive microorganisms with electron-conducting materials to facilitate the conversion between electrical and chemical energy. In this Primer, ter Heijne and Harnisch overview the key parameters and main electrochemical methods used for characterization of microbial electrodes.