Institut National De Recherche En Sciences Et Technologies Pour I'environnement Et I'agriculture (irstea)

Institut National De Recherche En Sciences Et Technologies Pour L'environnement Et L'agriculture

Arnaud Bridier

Théodore Bouchez

Elie Le Quemener

Elie Le QUÉMÉNER

A method for controlling the activity of an electrochemical device () comprising a bioanode () and a biocathode () immersed in an electrolyte (A,C) containing microorganisms, the anode compartment () and cathode compartment () being separated by at least one membrane (), optionally a reference electrode, a difference in potential being applied between the bioanode () and the biocathode (), or between the bioanode and the reference electrode, characterised in that the operation of the device is governed by a dual control: &#x2014;a priority control of the difference in potential between the bioanode and the biocathode, or between the bioanode and the reference electrode, between a minimum limit value allowing the development of an electroactive biofilm at the bioanode and a maximum limit value lower than the oxidation potential of said biofilm, and&#x2014;a secondary control, when the first control is in place, optimising the Faradaic efficiency of the biocathode. A device allowing said method to be carried out.

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Fougeres, France

Arnaud Bridier