Electroautotrophic microbes at biocathodes in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) can catalyze the hydrogen evolution reaction with low energy demand, facilitating long-term stable performance through specific and renewable biocatalysts. However, MECs have not yet reached commercialization due to a lack of understanding of the optimal microbial strains and reactor configurations for achieving high performance. Here, we critically analyze the criteria for the inocula selection, with a focus on the effect of hydrogenase activity and microbe–electrode interactions. We also evaluate the impact of the reactor design and key parameters, such as membrane type, composition, and electrode surface area on internal resistance, mass transport, and pH imbalances within MECs. This analysis paves the way for advancements that could propel biocathode-assisted MECs toward scalable hydrogen gas production.

中文翻译：

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具有生物阴极的微生物电解池中的氢气生产


微生物电解池（MEC）生物阴极上的电自养微生物可以在低能量需求下催化析氢反应，通过特定的可再生生物催化剂促进长期稳定的性能。然而，由于缺乏对实现高性能的最佳微生物菌株和反应器配置的了解，MEC 尚未实现商业化。在这里，我们批判性地分析了接种物选择的标准，重点关注氢化酶活性和微生物-电极相互作用的影响。我们还评估了反应器设计和关键参数（例如膜类型、成分和电极表面积）对 MEC 内电阻、传质和 pH 不平衡的影响。该分析为推动生物阴极辅助 MEC 实现可规模化氢气生产的进步铺平了道路。