Unraveling the potential of solar-bioelectrochemical CO2 conversion for third generation biorefineries

Sustainable production of solar-based chemicals via solar-powered bioelectrosynthesis is crucial for the role of third generation biorefineries in achieving a resilient future. However, the limited conversion efficiency and poor selectivity of solar-powered bioelectrosynthesis pose significant challenges to the development of solar-to-chemical conversion. The integration of inorganic, organic, or semiconducting light-harvesting materials with efficient microorganisms forms an interface, allowing the capture of solar energy for the biosynthesis of chemicals from CO₂. This concise review explores recent developments in solar-bioelectrochemical CO₂ conversion within the realm of third generation biorefineries, offering insights into the potential of these systems for sustainable and cost-effective chemical production. The review also delves into the commercial aspects of solar-bioelectrochemical processes, highlighting recent advancements in photovoltaic (PV)-assisted microbial electrosynthesis, direct photoelectrode-based electrosynthesis, and whole-cell photo biohybrid systems.