Microbial production of multi-carbon chemicals and fuels from water and carbon dioxide using electric current
US9856449B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention provides systems and methods for generating organic compounds using carbon dioxide as a source of carbon and electrical current as an energy source. In one embodiment, a reaction cell is provided having a cathode electrode and an anode electrode that are connected to a source of electrical power, and which are separated by a permeable membrane. A biological film is provided on the cathode. The biological film comprises a bacterium that can accept electrons and that can convert carbon dioxide to a carbon-bearing compound and water in a cathode half-reaction. At the anode, water is decomposed to free molecular oxygen and solvated protons in an anode half-reaction. The half-reactions are driven by the application of electrical current from an external source. Compounds that have been produced include acetate, butanol, 2-oxobutyrate, propanol, ethanol, and formate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.