Efficient conversion of bicarbonate (HCO3−) to acetate and simultaneous heavy metal Cr(VI) removal in photo-assisted microbial electrosynthesis systems combining WO3/MoO3/g-C3N4 heterojunctions and Serratia marcescens electrotroph

The removal of the hazardous heavy metal Cr(VI) in water and simultaneous production acetate from reduction inorganic carbon (HCO3−) is demonstrated a photo-assisted microbial electrosynthesis (MES) system incorporating WO3/MoO3/g-C3N4 Z-scheme heterojunctions Serratia marcescens Q1 electrotroph cathode. rates (6.1 ± 0.3 mg/L/h) (4.5 0.1 recorded at circuital current 2.8 A/m2 were 2.4-fold (acetate production), 1.7-time (Cr(VI) removal) 1.6-fold (circuital current) those controls absence WO3/MoO3/g-C3N4, production) 1.8-time both WO3/MoO3/g-C3N4. Photogenerated conduction bands electrons favored direct or indirect (via S. marcescens) reductions H+, with latter producing H2 which was further metabolized by HCO3− to yield acetate. higher drawn under photoirradiation conditions refilled photo-generated valence band holes semiconductor provided driving force for reactions. This study provides an alternative feasible approach achieving complete toxic industrial waters conversion key block chemicals.