C1to6: CO2 into hexanoic acid using microbial electrosynthesis

Carbon-based products are crucial to society. However, their production from fossil-based carbon is unsustainable. We will develop a scalable microbial electrosynthesis (MES) process that produces hexanoic acid (C6, a major base chemical) from CO2 and renewable electricity, using microorganisms as catalyst. Our distinctive approach will elucidate how to avoid rate and yield limiting steps from micrometer to meter scale, by guiding experiments and reactor/electrode design with comprehensive multiscale modelling. We will use the attained insights on the working mechanisms of MES to develop a scalable process capable of producing pure hexanoic acid from CO2 under industrially relevant conditions.