A comprehensive review of microbial electrolysis cells: Integrated for wastewater treatment and hydrogen generation

The growing demand for sustainable energy sources has propelled research into innovative technologies that simultaneously address environmental challenges. Integrating microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) with wastewater management presents a promising avenue for sustainable hydrogen production. This innovative approach and synergistic capabilities of MECs, harness microbial activity to drive electrolysis and generate hydrogen gas. Wastewater, rich in organic matter, serves as a renewable and abundant substrate for microbial metabolism within the MEC, leading to efficient electron transfer and subsequent hydrogen production. Key factors influencing the performance of MECs in this context include electrode material, reactor configuration, and microbial community composition. This study highlights the significance of this integration in addressing the dual environmental challenges of wastewater treatment and clean energy production utilizing MECs allows for the efficient removal of organic contaminants from wastewater while also generating hydrogen, a clean, renewable energy source. Furthermore, the hydrogen produced can be utilized in various applications such as fuel cells, transportation, and industrial processes, contributing to decarbonization efforts and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This review explores the promising synergy between MECs and wastewater management for efficient hydrogen production. MECs harness the metabolic activities of microorganisms to facilitate the electrochemical conversion of organic matter in wastewater into hydrogen gas, presenting a dual benefit of clean energy generation and wastewater treatment.