Electromethanogenic reactor and processes for methane production
US8440438B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2009 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/133
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Increasing competition for fossil fuels, and the need to avoid release carbon dioxide from combustion of these fuels requires development of new and sustainable approaches for energy production and carbon capture. Biological processes for producing methane gas and capturing carbon from carbon dioxide are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include providing an electromethanogenic reactor having an anode, a cathode and a plurality of methanogenic microorganisms disposed on the cathode. Electrons and carbon dioxide are provided to the plurality of methanogenic microorganisms disposed on the cathode. The methanogenic microorganisms reduce the carbon dioxide to produce methane gas, even in the absence of hydrogen and/or organic carbon sources.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.