Revolutionizing fixed-film anaerobic bioreactors: An innovative electrostimulated system for superior biomethane and biohydrogen production

This invention presents an innovative anaerobic bioreactor prototype, called the electrostimulated anaerobic bioreactor (EAB), consisting of a tubular container with conductive and non-conductive supports, arranged radially and alternately around the circular cross-section and aligned with the longitudinal axis. Electrical stimulation applied to the conductive supports facilitates direct microbial electron transfer, enhancing reaction kinetics. In combination with non-conductive supports, which provide micro-niches that promote diverse microbial attachment and metabolic activity, the system fosters syntrophic interactions, accelerates substrate conversion, ensures rapid process stabilization, and maintains sustained long-term performance, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of anaerobic digestion. The EAB provides an adaptable platform for treating organic-based substrates and generating renewable energy. It enables the production of methane, hydrogen, and recoverable chemicals. It can be integrated with other bioprocesses for process optimization, testing of alternative substrates, or inclusion in biorefineries for the development of new bio-based products.