Device for indoor air purification and biomethane production

Technology description

The portable bioelectrochemical system captures carbon dioxide in enclosed spaces and bio-converts it into methane, a renewable energy carrier. This innovative system is composed by two coupled modules:

1. An adsorption module (~20x30x30 cm) that captures CO₂ and reduces indoor CO₂ levels up to recommended values (<1000 ppm, 0.1%).
2. A bioelectrochemical module where archaea convert the captured CO₂ into high purity methane (> 95%) using surplus energy.  The required H₂ is obtained in situ by means of water electrolysis.

Applications

The bioelectrochemical system can be installed in enclosed spaces with high concentrations of carbon dioxide, such as offices, classrooms or public transport vehicles. It improves indoor air quality and produces biomethane with network quality standards.

Competitive benefits

1. Portable, compact, modular
2. Adaptable to different indoor scenarios (residential, commercial, transport)
3. Low energy. It can use surplus renewable energy and handle intermittent power supply.
4. Automated control system

Research team and contact

The technology has been developed by a multidisciplinary team from LEQUIA and gEMM research groups of University of Girona. Contact: Dr Sebastià Puig (sebastia.puig@udg.edu)

Current status of technology development

The research team has developed a prototype with an Arduino-based automated control system; addressed IP protection (a patent has been filed); assessed the environmental performance of the system (LCA); and analysed potential application scenarios. Research was funded by Agencia Estatal de Investigación (de-CENT project,TED2021-129452B-I00).

Desired cooperation

We seek to establish partnerships with technology developers, end-users and investors to optimise, upgrade and validate the system in real environments.

Scientific publication

Bolognesi, L.R. López, E. Perona-Vico, L. Bañeras, M.D. Balaguer, S. Puig. Breathe inside the box: optimizing conditions for bioelectrochemical methane production to indoor carbon dioxide valorization and enhance air quality, Chemical Engineering Journal 522 (2025), 167426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.167426

Project video