Method for in situ regeneration of a bio-anode of a bio-electrochemical synthesis device - WO-2020053528-A1 (2020)

A method for regenerating a working electrode of an electrochemical device functioning in electrolyser mode comprising a working electrode (bio-anode) covered with a biofilm, a cathode and optionally a reference electrode, a positive nominal potential difference (ddp) being applied, during nominal operation, either between the bio-anode and the cathode, or between the bio-anode and the reference electrode, characterised in that it comprises either a reduction in the ddp of at least 10% of the ddp applied between the bio-anode to be regenerated and the cathode, in the absence of a reference electrode, or a reduction in the working potential imposed on the working electrode (the bio-anode) to be regenerated relative to the reference electrode of at least 0.05 V/SHE, allowing the nominal operation of the electrolyser to be restored. Regeneration can be carried out by the production of H2 at the surface of the bio-anode by changing its polarity by inserting a counter-electrode into the anode chamber of the bio-anode.