Multistep bioelectrochemical reaction cascade in continuously operated flow reactors (BioElectroFlow)

From Carbon Foam to Clean Reactions: How BioElectroFlow Brings Materials and Biology Together?

BioElectroFlow brings materials engineering and biology together to create a new way of running chemical reactions. The project develops special carbon-based electrodes, uses enzymes as natural catalysts, and applies an electrical current to drive reactions in a continuously operated flow reactor—like an assembly line for green chemistry.

Materials Science – Making the Electrode

At the Institute of Polymer and Composite, researchers design and build carbon foam—a lightweight, sponge-like material full of pores. Its structure, strength, conductivity, and wettability are fine-tuned so it can serve as an efficient electrode.

Biology – Using Enzymes as Catalysts

The at the Institute of Technical Biocatalysis, Enzymes are attached to the carbon foam. These biological catalysts in combination with carbon foam electrode produce hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in a bioelectrochemical reactor.

By integrating advanced materials, biocatalysts, and electrochemistry, BioElectroFlow aims to create cleaner, more efficient, and scalable processes for future industrial and environmental applications.