20/02/2024 at 11:00, Room Parravano, Building Cannizzaro (CU014) Città Universitaria
Annemiek ter Heijine, Wageningen University (WUR), The Netherlands
Abstract
Electro-active microorganisms can play a role in many different conversions, by exchanging chemical energy with electrical energy (and vice versa) in so-called Microbial Electrochemical Systems. In this presentation, I will explain how microorganisms and electrodes can interact to facilitate different types of conversions, with applications in resource recovery and removal of nutrients. I will focus on different applications: how anaerobic ammonium oxidation at bioanodes can be enhanced by introducing oxygen, how we can influence storage processes in electro-active biofilms on anodes, and how we can use microorganisms at the cathode to produce methane from CO2. I will discuss the main limitations and routes for further improvement of rate and efficiency.
Prof. Annemiek ter Heijne Biosketch
Annemiek ter Heijne is professor in (Bio)Recovery Technology for Circular Economy at the Environmental Technology group of Wageningen University & Research (The Netherlands). She obtained her PhD degree on Microbial Fuel Cells and has continued her career in Wageningen working on different applications that involve the interaction between microorganisms and electrodes. She has been board member and president of ISMET, the International Society of Microbial Electrochemistry & Technology, and her teaching focuses on Renewable Energy Technologies and Microbial Electrochemistry. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family, she likes spending time outdoor (hiking and running), and cooking (vegan) food.