BIO-ASSISTED PROCESS FOR CONVERSION OF CARBON DIOXIDE TO FUEL PRECURSORS

Abstract

The present invention provides a semi-conducting biogenic hybrid catalyst capable of reducing CO.sub.2 into fuel precursors. Specifically, the present application involves a method for bio-assisted conversion of CO.sub.2 to fuel precursors using said semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalyst in batch and continuous mode.

Claims

1. A semi-conducting biogenic hybrid catalyst capable of reducing CO.sub.2 into fuel precursors, said catalyst consisting: (a) electroactive microorganism selected from the group consisting of Enterobacter aerogenes MTCC 25016, Serratia sp. MTCC 25017, Shewanella sp. MTCC 25020, Alcaligenes sp. MTCC 25022, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 1036, Ochrobactrum anthropi ATCC 49188, Ochrobactrum anthropi MTCC 9026, and Pseudomonas alcaliphila MTCC 6724; and (b) semi conducting particles comprising a precursor metal component, electron facilitator and dye molecule; wherein the semi conducting particles are located on cell surface of the electroactive microorganisms.

2. A method for bio-assisted conversion of CO.sub.2 to fuel precursors employing the semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalyst as claimed in claim 1, said method comprising: (a) adding the semi-conducting biogenic hybrid catalyst as claimed in claim 1 to culture medium in a transparent reactor; (b) sparging CO.sub.2 through the culture medium and irradiating the transparent reactor with a light source having wavelength >400 nm; and (c) recovering the fuel precursors from the culture medium; wherein the fuel precursors are selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, butanol, isopropanol, butyric acid, and caproic acid.

3. A method for bio-assisted conversion of biogas to fuel precursors employing the semiconducting hybrid catalyst as claimed in claim 1, said method comprising: (a) adding the semi-conducting biogenic hybrid catalyst as claimed in claim 1 to culture medium in a glass column; (b) sparging biogas through the culture medium and irradiating the glass column with a light source having wavelength >400 nm; and (c) recovering the fuel precursors from the culture medium; wherein the fuel precursors comprise a mixture of methanol, ethanol, and acetic acid.

4. A process for synthesizing a semiconductor biogenic-hybrid catalyst, said process comprising: (a) selectively culturing electroactive microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Enterobacter aerogenes MTCC 25016, Serratia sp. MTCC 25017, Shewanella sp. MTCC 25020, Alcaligenes sp. MTCC 25022, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 1036, Ochrobactrum anthropi ATCC 49188, Ochrobactrum anthropi MTCC 9026, and Pseudomonas alcaliphila MTCC 6724; (b) mixing at least a salt, at least one 2D material, and an electron facilitator, in presence of a surface directing agent to obtain a semiconducting hybrid solution; (c) adding the semiconducting hybrid solution of step (b) to the electroactive microorganism culture of step (a) to obtain an initiator culture; (d) providing counter ion precursor to the initiator culture of step (c); and (e) separating the semiconductor biogenic-hybrid catalyst from the culture; wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of CuCl.sub.2, CdCl.sub.2, ZnCl.sub.2, ZnBr.sub.2, GaCl.sub.3, InCl.sub.3, FeCl.sub.2, FeCl.sub.3, SnCl.sub.2, SnCl.sub.4, Cd(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Ga(NO.sub.3).sub.3, Ln(NO.sub.3).sub.3, Zn(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Fe(NO.sub.3).sub.3, CdCO.sub.3, CdSO.sub.4, FeSO.sub.4, ZnSO.sub.4, Fe.sub.2O.sub.3, CdO, Ga.sub.2O.sub.3, Ln.sub.2O.sub.3, ZnO, SnO, SnO.sub.2, Fe(OH).sub.3, Zn(OH).sub.2, FeOOH, FeO(OH), Cd(CH.sub.3COO).sub.2, Iron perchlorate, Copper perchlorate, Copper EDTA complex, Nickel alkylamine complex, Iron piperidine complex, Cadmium pyridine complex, Iron bipyridine salt and Iron acac complex; wherein the 2D material is selected from the group consisting of graphene, porous graphene, gC.sub.3N.sub.4, single walled CNT, MoS.sub.2, WS.sub.2, SnS.sub.2, phosphorene, graphene nanoparticles, TiC, and borophene; wherein the electron facilitator is selected from the group consisting of neutral red, azo-dyes, Iron porphyrin complex, Schiff base complex, multi walled CNT, Cd (II) or Cu (II) imidazole complex, and Ruthenium complex; wherein the surface directing agent is selected from the group consisting of Tween, sodium lauryl sulfate, p-172, Lauryl dimethyl amine oxide, Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, Polyethoxylated alcohol, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan Octoxynol (Triton X100), N, N-dimethyldodecyl amine-N-oxide, Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, Polyoxyl 10 lauryl ether, Brij 721, sodium deoxycholate, sodium cholate, Polyoxyl castor oil (Cremophor), Nonylphenol ethoxylate (Tergitol), Cyclodextrins, Lecithin, and Methylbenzethonium chloride (Hyamine); and wherein the counter ion precursor is a gaseous material or an organosulfur compound.

5. The process as claimed in 4, wherein the gaseous material is selected from the group consisting of H.sub.2S containing gas, industrial flue gas, and bio gas.

6. The process as claimed in claim 4, wherein the organosulfur compound is selected from the group consisting of methanethiol, ethanethiol, propanethiol, butanethiol, thiophenol, ethanedithiol, 1,3ropanedithiol, 1,4 butanedithiol, thiophene, 2-mercaptoethanol, 3-mercaptopropanol, 4mercaptophenol, dithiothreitol, cysteine, homocysteine, methionine, thioserine, thiothreonine, thiotyrosine, glutathione, 2-thiouracil, 6-methyl-2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 2,4dithiouracil, 2-thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiocytosine, 5-fluoro-2-thiocytosine, 2-thiothymine, 4-thiothymine, 2,4-dithiothymine, 6-thioguanine, 8-thioadenine, 2-thioxanthine, 6-thioxanthine, 6-thiohypoxanthine, 6-thiopurine, dimethyl sulfide, diethyl sulfide, diphenyl sulfide, biotin, cystine, lipoic acid, diphenyl disulfide, iron disulfide, 2-hydroxyethyl di sulfide, thioacetic acid, trimethylsulfonium, diphenylmethyl sulfonium chloride, dimethylsulfoxide, dim ethyl sulfone, thioketone, thioamide, thiocyanate, isothiocyanate, thiocarbamate, and dithiocarbamates.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 depicts the schematic representation of continuous system for microbial CO.sub.2 reduction in free cell condition.

[0035] FIG. 2 depicts the schematic representation of continuous system for microbial CO.sub.2 reduction in bio-film condition.

[0036] FIG. 3 depicts the graphical representation of CO.sub.2 conversion to fuels and chemicals by ZnS/g-C3N4/neutral red Enterobacter aerogenes under continuous light irradiation. Here, EA-1 is designated for Enterobacter aerogenes.

[0037] FIG. 4 depicts the graphical representation of CO.sub.2 conversion to fuels and chemicals by ZnS/g-C.sub.3N.sub.4/neutral red Enterobacter aerogenes under intermittent light irradiation. Here, EA-1 is designated for Enterobacter aerogenes.

[0038] FIG. 5 depicts the line graph of product profile for continuous CO.sub.2 reduction system in intermittent light radiation condition.

[0039] FIG. 6 depicts the line graph of product profile for continuous CO.sub.2 reduction system in intermittent light radiation condition. Here, EA-2 is designated for Shewanella sp.

[0040] FIG. 7 depicts the graphical representation of product profile obtained at different microbe, semiconducting, 2D material and electron facilitator condition. Here, EA-1 and EA-2 are designated for Enterobacter aerogenes and Shewanella sp., respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The present invention discloses a light assisted method for conversion of CO.sub.2 to fuel precursors using semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalyst. The present invention also discloses a method of synthesizing semiconducting particles on microbial cell surface in order to be used as a biogenic hybrid catalyst.

[0042] The process for generation of fuel precursors provided in the present application is simple and self-sustained. The semiconducting and biogenic hybrid catalyst of the invention is able to effectively convert CO.sub.2 to chemicals in a one pot bioreactor. Notably, the process of the present invention does not require additional electricity from an external source, and the required electrons can be supplied to the microorganism of the biogenic hybrid catalyst by the attached semiconducting material on the cell surface. Further, a continuous process can be achieved by supplying semiconducting ions and CO.sub.2/H.sub.2S gases.

[0043] Biogas results from anaerobic fermentation of organic waste. The raw biogas typically has a mixture of methane (70-80%) and carbon dioxide (20-30%) with hydrogen sulfide (0.005-3%), oxygen (0-1%), ammonia (<1%), trace amounts of siloxanes (0-0.02%), and moisture. To purify the biogas, the concentration of its major gaseous impurities such as CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2S needs to be removed. As discussed above, the process disclosed in the present application involves the microbial utilization of both CO.sub.2 as well as H.sub.2S. Therefore, the present application is found to be highly useful for the biogas upgradation.

[0044] In accordance with the present invention, the semiconducting particle has been synthesized on the cell surface of the electroactive microbes according to the following steps: [0045] a. selection of electroactive microbes having Acetyl-CoA pathway and growing the microbes in culture media; [0046] b. in vitro preparation of semiconducting hybrid solution by using at least a salt and at least one 2D material and an electron facilitator in presence of a surface directing agent; [0047] c. adding the semiconducting hybrid solution to the growing microbial culture; [0048] d. development of semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalyst on the microbe surface by providing counter ions from CO.sub.2/H.sub.2S gas or from any organic source; [0049] e. separation of semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalyst and adding it to the culture media in a transparent reactor; [0050] f. sparging CO.sub.2 and providing light to the reactor at step e during incubation at specified temperature and light intensity/duration; [0051] g. separation of cells and obtaining broth with at least one multi carbon molecules from culture broth; and [0052] h. recycling of the cells.

[0053] The present invention further discloses the optimization of interfacial composition between semiconductors, 2D material and electron facilitator. The invention could offer a conceptually new strategy to boost the lifetime and transfer efficiency of photo-generated charge carriers across the interface between microbes. Consequently, there is an increase in electron density resulting in the formation of high molecular weight product. Further, controlled illumination of light (as utilized in the present invention) results in an increase in yield of the end product.

[0054] The genus of electro active microorganisms that can be used in one or more process steps of the present invention include but are not limited to one or more of the following: Enterobacter aerogenes, Serratia sp., Alcaligenes sp., Ochrobactrum anthropi, Acidiphilium cryptum, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodoferax ferrireducens, Cupriavidus necator, Shewanella oneidensis, Shewanella putrefaciens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas alcaliphila, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Azotobacter vinelandii, Escherichia coli, Aeromonas hydrophila, Actinobacillus succinogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, Klebsiella sp. ME17, Klebsiella terrigena, Enterobacter cloacae Citrobacter sp. SX-1, Geopsychrobacter, electrodiphilus, Geobacter sulfurreducens, Geobacter metallireducens, Geobacter lovleyi, Desulfuromonas acetoxidans, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Desulfovibrio paquesii, Desulfobulbus propionicus, Arcobacter butzleri, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Sporomusa ovate, Sporomusa sphaeroides, Sporomusa silvacetica, Thermincola sp. JR, Geothrix fermentans, Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium aceticum, Clostridium sp. EG3, Moorella thermoacetica, Thermincola ferriacetica, Bacillus subtilis, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus pentosus, Enterococcus faecium, Brevibacillus sp. PTH1, Corynebacterium glutamicum.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the electro active microbes includes Ochrobactrum anthropi (ATCC 49188), (ATCC 29243), (ATCC 21909), (ATCC 49237), (ATCC 49187), DSM-14396, DSM-20150, MTCC-9026, MTCC-8748, Acidiphilium cryptum (ATCC 33463), DSM-2389, DSM-2390, DSM-2613 DSM-9467, Rhodopseudomonas palustris (ATCC 33872), (ATCC 17001), (ATCC 17010), (ATCC 17007) DSM-127 DSM-131 DSM-8283, Rhodoferax ferrireducens (ATCC BAA-621) DSM-15236(ATCC BAA-1852), Cupriavidus necator (ATCC 17697), (ATCC 43291) (ATCC 17699), MTCC-1472, DSM-11098 DSM-13439, DSM-15443, Shewanella oneidensis (ATCC 700550), (ATCC BAA-1096) (ATCC 700550D), Shewanella putrefaciens MTCC-8104, (ATCC 8071), (ATCC 8072), DSM-9439 DSM-1818 DSM-50426, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, (ATCC 10145), (ATCC 15442-MINI-PACK), (ATCC 9027-MINI-PACK) DSM-100465, DSM-102273 DSM-102275, MTCC-1036, MTCC-1688, Pseudomonas alcahphila MTCC-6724, DSM-17744, DSM-26533

[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention, the electro active microorganism is selected from the group selected from Enterobacter aerogenes MTCC 25016, Serratia sp. MTCC 25017, Shewanella sp. MTCC 25020, Alcaligenes sp. MTCC 25022, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 1036, Ochrobactrum anthropi ATCC 49188, Ochrobactrum anthropi MTCC 9026, and Pseudomonas alcahphila MTCC 6724.

[0057] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a semiconductor composition produced by bio-assisted method. In an embodiment, the semiconducting particles have a composition, such as CdS, ZnS, SnS, CdSe, ZnSe, CdTe, ZnTe, or CdSZnS. The precursor metal component contains one or more types of metals in ionic form. Some examples of precursor metal compounds applicable herein include the metal halides (e.g., CuCl.sub.2, CdCl.sub.2, ZnCl.sub.2, ZnBr.sub.2, GaCl.sub.3, InCl.sub.3, FeCl.sub.2, FeCl.sub.3, SnCl.sub.2, and SnCl.sub.4), metal nitrates (e.g., Cd(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Ga(NO.sub.3).sub.3, In(NO.sub.3).sub.3, Zn(NO.sub.3).sub.2, and Fe(NO.sub.3).sub.3), metal perchlorates (Copper perchlorate), metal carbonates (e.g., CdCO.sub.3), metal sulfates (e.g., CdSO.sub.4, FeSO.sub.4, and ZnSO.sub.4), metal oxides (e.g., Fe.sub.2O.sub.3, CdO, Ga.sub.2O.sub.3, Ln.sub.2O.sub.3, ZnO, SnO, SnO.sub.2), metal hydroxides (e.g., Fe(OH).sub.3 and Zn(OH).sub.2), metal oxyhydroxides (e.g., FeOOH, or FeO(OH), and their alternate forms), Iron and Copper EDTA complexes, metal amines (e.g., metal alkylamine, piperidine, pyridine, or bipyridine salt complexes of Iron, Zinc and Nickel), metal carboxylates (e.g., cadmium acetate), and metal acetylacetonate (i.e., metalacac) complexes of Iron, Copper, Cadmium and Nickel.

[0058] In another embodiment of the present invention, the 2D material is selected from the group consisting of graphene, porous graphene, graphene nanoparticles, gC.sub.3N.sub.4, single walled CNT, MoS.sub.2, TiC, WS.sub.2, SnS.sub.2, phosphorene, and borophene.

[0059] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the electron facilitators are selected from the group consisting of neutral red, azo-dye, porphyrin complex, Schiff base complex, multi walled CNT, Cd (II) imidazole complex, Cu (II) imidazole complex, and Ruthenium complex.

[0060] Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides that the surface directing agents are selected from the group consisting of Polysorbate (Tween), Sodium dodecyl sulfate (sodium lauryl sulfate), Lauryl dimethyl amine oxide, Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), Polyethoxylated alcohol, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan Octoxynol (Triton X100), N,N-dimethyldodecyl amine-N-oxide, Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB), Polyoxyl 10 lauryl ether, Brij 721, sodium deoxycholate, sodium cholate, Polyoxyl castor oil (Cremophor), Nonylphenol ethoxylate (Tergitol), Cyclodextrins, Lecithin, and Methylbenzethonium chloride (Hyamine).

[0061] In still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided that the counter ion precursors are gaseous sources selected from the group consisting of H.sub.2S containing gas, Industrial flue gas, bio gas. In another embodiment, the counter ion precursors are suitable organosulfur compounds including the hydrocarbon mercaptans (e.g., methanethiol, ethanethiol, propanethiol, butanethiol, thiophenol, ethanedithiol, 1,3propanedithiol, 1,4 butanedithiol, thiophene), the alcohol containing mercaptans (e.g., 2mercaptoethanol, 3 mercaptopropanol, 4-mercaptophenol, and dithiothreitol), the mercapto amino acids (e.g., cysteine, homocysteine, methionine, thioserine, thiothreonine, and thiotyrosine), mercapto peptides (e.g., glutathione), the mercaptopyrimidines (e.g., 2thiouracil, 6methyl2 thiouracil, 4thiouracil, 2,4dithiouracil, 2-thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiocytosine, 5-fluoro-2-thiocytosine, 2-thiothymine, 4thiothymine, 2,4-dithiothymine, and their nucleoside and nucleotide analogs), the mercapto purines (e.g., 6-thioguanine, 8-thioadenine, 2-thioxanthine, 6-thioxanthine, 6-thiohypoxanthine, 6-thiopurine, and their nucleoside and nucleotide analogs), the thioethers (e.g., dimethylsulfide, diethylsulfide, diphenylsulfide, biotin), the disulfides (e.g., cystine, lipoic acid, diphenyl disulfide, iron disulfide, and 2 hydroxyethyldisulfide), the thiocarboxylic acids (e.g., thioacetic acid), the thioesters, the sulfonium salts (e.g., trimethylsulfonium or diphenylmethylsulfonium chloride), the sulfoxides (e.g., dimethylsulfoxide), the sulfones (e.g., dimethylsulfone), thioketones, thioamides, thiocyanates, isothiocyanates, thiocarbamates, dithiocarbamates.

[0062] An embodiment of the present invention provides a semi-conducting biogenic hybrid catalyst capable of reducing CO.sub.2 into fuel precursors, said catalyst consisting: [0063] (c) electroactive microorganism selected from the group consisting of Enterobacter aerogenes MTCC 25016, Serratia sp. MTCC 25017, Shewanella sp. MTCC 25020, Alcaligenes sp. MTCC 25022, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 1036, Ochrobactrum anthropi ATCC 49188, Ochrobactrum anthropi MTCC 9026, and Pseudomonas alcaliphila MTCC 6724; and [0064] (d) semi conducting particles comprising a precursor metal component, electron facilitator and dye molecule [0065] wherein the semi conducting particles are located on cell surface of the electroactive microorganisms.

[0066] A further embodiment of the present invention provides a method for bio-assisted conversion of CO.sub.2 to fuel precursors employing the semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalyst, said method comprising: [0067] (a) adding the semi-conducting biogenic hybrid catalyst of the invention to culture medium in a transparent reactor; [0068] (b) sparging CO.sub.2 through the culture medium and irradiating the transparent reactor with a light source having wavelength >400 nm; and [0069] (c) recovering the fuel precursors from the culture medium.

[0070] Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides that the fuel precursors are selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, butanol, isopropanol, butyric acid, and caproic acid.

[0071] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for bio-assisted conversion of CO.sub.2 to fuel precursors employing the semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalyst, said method comprising: [0072] (a) adding the semi-conducting biogenic hybrid catalyst of the invention to culture medium in a transparent reactor; [0073] (b) sparging CO.sub.2 through the culture medium and irradiating the transparent reactor with a light source having wavelength >400 nm; and [0074] (c) recovering the fuel precursors from the culture medium; [0075] wherein the fuel precursors are selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, butanol, isopropanol, butyric acid, and caproic acid.

[0076] A further embodiment of the present invention provides a method for bio-assisted conversion of biogas to fuel precursors employing the semiconducting hybrid catalyst said method comprising: [0077] (a) adding the semi-conducting biogenic hybrid catalyst of the invention to culture medium in a glass column; [0078] (b) sparging biogas through the culture medium and irradiating the glass column with a light source having wavelength >400 nm; and [0079] (c) recovering the fuel precursors from the culture medium; [0080] wherein the fuel precursors comprise a mixture of methanol, ethanol, and acetic acid.

[0081] Still another embodiment of the present invention provides a process for synthesizing a semiconductor biogenic-hybrid catalyst, said process comprising: [0082] (a) selectively culturing electroactive microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Enterobacter aerogenes MTCC 25016, Serratia sp. MTCC 25017, Shewanella sp. MTCC 25020, Alcaligenes sp. MTCC 25022, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 1036, Ochrobactrum anthropi ATCC 49188, Ochrobactrum anthropi MTCC 9026, and Pseudomonas alcaliphila MTCC 6724; [0083] (b) mixing at least a salt, at least one 2D material, and an electron facilitator, in presence of a surface directing agent to obtain a semiconducting hybrid solution; [0084] (c) adding the semiconducting hybrid solution of step (b) to the electroactive microorganism culture of step (a) to obtain an initiator culture; [0085] (d) providing counter ion precursor to the initiator culture of step (c); and [0086] (e) separating the semiconductor biogenic-hybrid catalyst from the culture; [0087] wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of CuCl.sub.2, CdCl.sub.2, ZnCl.sub.2, ZnBr.sub.2, GaCl.sub.3, InCl.sub.3, FeCl.sub.2, FeCl.sub.3, SnCl.sub.2, SnCl.sub.4, Cd(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Ga(NO.sub.3).sub.3, Ln(NO.sub.3).sub.3, Zn(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Fe(NO.sub.3).sub.3, CdCO.sub.3, CdSO.sub.4, FeSO.sub.4, ZnSO.sub.4, Fe.sub.2O.sub.3, CdO, Ga.sub.2O.sub.3, Ln.sub.2O.sub.3, ZnO, SnO, SnO.sub.2, Fe(OH).sub.3, Zn(OH).sub.2, FeOOH, FeO(OH), Cd(CH.sub.3COO).sub.2, Iron perchlorate, Copper perchlorate, Copper EDTA complex, Nickel alkylamine complex, Iron piperidine complex, Cadmium pyridine complex, Iron bipyridine salt and Iron acac complex; [0088] wherein the 2D material is selected from the group consisting of graphene, porous graphene, gC.sub.3N.sub.4, single walled CNT, MoS.sub.2, WS.sub.2, SnS.sub.2, phosphorene, graphene nanoparticles (Gr-Np), TiC, and borophene; [0089] wherein the electron facilitator is selected from the group consisting of neutral red, azo-dyes, Iron porphyrin complex, Schiff base complex, multi walled CNT, Cd (II) or Cu (II) imidazole complex, and Ruthenium complex; [0090] wherein the surface directing agent is selected from the group consisting of Tween, sodium lauryl sulfate, p-172, Lauryl dimethyl amine oxide, Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, Polyethoxylated alcohol, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan Octoxynol (Triton X100), N, N-dimethyldodecylamine-N-oxide, Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, Polyoxyl 10 lauryl ether, Brij 721, sodium deoxycholate, sodium cholate, Polyoxyl castor oil (Cremophor), Nonylphenol ethoxylate (Tergitol), Cyclodextrins, Lecithin, and Methylbenzethonium chloride (Hyamine); and [0091] wherein the counter ion precursor is a gaseous material or an organosulfur compound.

[0092] Another embodiment of the present invention provides that the gaseous material is selected from the group consisting of H.sub.2S containing gas, Industrial flue gas, and bio gas.

[0093] A further embodiment of the present invention provides that the organosulfur compound is selected from the group consisting of methanethiol, ethanethiol, propanethiol, butanethiol, thiophenol, ethanedithiol, 1,3ropanedithiol, 1,4 butanedithiol, thiophene, 2-mercaptoethanol, 3-mercaptopropanol, 4mercaptophenol, dithiothreitol, cysteine, homocysteine, methionine, thioserine, thiothreonine, thiotyrosine, glutathione, 2-thiouracil, 6-methyl-2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 2,4dithiouracil, 2-thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiocytosine, 5-fluoro-2-thiocytosine, 2-thiothymine, 4-thiothymine, 2,4-dithiothymine, 6-thioguanine, 8-thioadenine, 2-thioxanthine, 6-thioxanthine, 6-thiohypoxanthine, 6-thiopurine, dimethyl sulfide, diethyl sulfide, diphenyl sulfide, biotin, cystine, lipoic acid, diphenyl disulfide, iron disulfide, 2-hydroxyethyldisulfide, thioacetic acid, trimethylsulfonium, diphenylmethyl sulfonium chloride, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylsulfone, thioketone, thioamide, thiocyanate, isothiocyanate, thiocarbamate, and dithiocarbamates.

[0094] The media composition used for the microbe can be composed of micro nutrients, vitamins such as 0.40 g/L NaCl, 0.40 g/L NH.sub.4Cl, 0.33 g/L MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 0.05 g/L CaCl.sub.2), 0.25 g/L KCl, 0.64 g/L K.sub.2HPO.sub.4, 2.50 g/L NaHCO.sub.3, trace mineral (1000.0 mg/L MnSO.sub.4.H.sub.2O, 200.0 mg/L CoCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O, 0.2 mg/L ZnSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 20.0 mg/L CuCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2O, 2000.0 mg/L Nitriloacetic acid), and vitamin (Pyridoxine.HCl 10.0 mg/L, Thiamine.HCl 5.0 mg/L, Riboflavin 5.0 mg/L, Nicotinic acid 5.0 mg/L, Biotin 2.0 mg/L, Folic acid 2.0 mg/L, Vitamin B12 0.1 mg/L.

[0095] The appropriate operational pH of the media has been estimated by varying its pH using phosphate buffer. It has been found that the pH of the system can be varied from 3 to 11. The microbes were found to grow suitably in the pH range without any impact on product formation.

[0096] In an embodiment, the temperature of the reaction medium was varied from 25 to 55 and the effect on microbial population and hydrocarbon formation was observed to be essentially unaffected by variation of temperature. In another embodiment, the step of fermentation in the claimed process can be worked even in the dark if a suitable carbon source is provided.

[0097] In another embodiment, the present invention can be performed in mixotrophic mode.

[0098] In another embodiment, the present invention can be performed in heterotrophic mode.

[0099] In another embodiment, different CO.sub.2 sources have been used for the bioconversion. The sources of carbon dioxide containing gas may include streams or the atmosphere or water and/or dissolved or solid forms of inorganic carbon, into organic compounds. In these process steps carbon dioxide containing flue gas, or process gas, or air, or inorganic carbon in solution as dissolved carbon dioxide, carbonate ion, or bicarbonate ion including aqueous solutions such as sea water, or inorganic carbon in solid phases such as but not limited to carbonates and bicarbonates, is pumped or otherwise added to a vessel or enclosure containing nutrient media and microorganisms.

[0100] Light is an essential substrate for the phototrophic performance of the microbial culture. Both the spectral quality and the intensity of light are important for microbial performance. The light sources can be direct sunlight, LED lights, light sources having wavelength higher than 400 nm. In some embodiments continuous and flashing light was provided to the culture medium. The flashing light was provided in a dark light ratio of 1:5 second. It was found that the overall yield has been significantly enhanced with intermittent light source. So, the continuous light probably saturates the electron confinement in microbes result a decrease in the product formation. On the other hand, the intermittent light is suitable due to fraction of dark-cycle, which is essential for complete use of the electron by the microbe cells.

[0101] Semiconductor photo-catalyst is irradiated by solar light and absorbs photon with energy equal to or higher than that of band gap for the semiconductor. Then, photogenerated electron-hole pairs are produced. Photo-generated hole is oxidative while photogenerated electron is reductive. The reductive electron consequently enters into the microbial cell via electron carriers and assists the CO.sub.2 reduction process.

[0102] In accordance with the present invention, the process of operation of the carbon dioxide reduction process mediated by semiconducting biogenic catalyst can be batch mode or continuous.

[0103] In the batch mode, the active culture (5 ml) was centrifuged, washed in phosphate buffer (pH=7.5) and diluted in 1 ml of buffer for semiconducting biogenic catalysts synthesis. The semiconducting biogenic catalysts hybrids were prepared by different routs by varying the metal counter species. 0.2 wt. % metal counter species and 2 mM metal ion (5 ml) were inserted to the serum bottle containing 20 ml of fresh media and 1 ml of microbial culture (phosphate buffer diluted). After an inoculation of 24 h, the culture medium changes color due to formation of semiconducting biogenic catalysts. Similarly, in case of H.sub.2S mediated synthesis, 50 ppm H.sub.2S (balance N.sub.2) gas was passed through a filter to 20 ml media containing 2 mM metal ion for 10 second at a rate of 2 ml/min and culture was inoculated for 24 at 30 C.

[0104] All photosynthesis measurements were conducted for a conjugative period of 72 h using CO.sub.2 as carbon source. In one set of experiment CO.sub.2 (99.99%) was purged for 24 h/day in continuous mode in 20 ml/h through filter. Visible light was employed to provide photon flux in continues or intermittent manner. The serum bottle containing the semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalysts was exposed to the light source. 1 ml of the culture from the serum bottle was withdrawn; centrifuged for 5 min at 15,000 rpm and the supernatant was quantified using an Agilent model 6850 gas chromatograph (GC) system equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID), a DB-FFAP capillary column (0.25 mm film thickness), and an automatic injector.

[0105] The transfer of electrons to the microbes is the main driving force that can occur either directly from an electrode or indirectly through an electron mediator. When, biogenic hybrid catalyst of the present invention (for instance such as ZnS/g-C.sub.3N.sub.4/neutral red Enterobacter aerogenes microbe hybrid of Example 1) was synthesized, the total product yield increases significantly due to electron sensing properties of g-C.sub.3N.sub.4 and NR. The advantage of the present system is the easiness of the process as the system can work in a standalone manner without any systematic requirement. In case of ZnS/g-.sub.C3N4/neutral red Enterobacter aerogenes microbe hybrid, ZnS acts as a potential electron acceptor and the unique 2D structures and excellent electronic properties of g-C3N4 help in the capability to accept/transport electrons photogenerated from band gap photo excitation of semiconductors upon light irradiation. The neutral red help optimize the photogenerated charge carrier pathway or efficiency across the interface between ZnS and g-C3N4. In other words, under visible light irradiation, the electron hole pairs are generated from semiconductor ZnS due to its band gap photoexcitation. Because of the excellent electron conductivity of the g-C3N4 sheet, the g-C3N4 platform is able to accept and shuttle the photogenerated electrons from ZnS. The presence of NR in the interlayer matrix between ZnS and GR could optimize the photogenerated electron transfer pathway from semiconductor ZnS to the electron conductive g-C3N4, to microbe surface by which the lifetime of charge carriers (electron-hole pairs) is prolonged. This in turn would contribute to the photoactivity improvement of the semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalyst.

[0106] For a continuous mode operation, 3 or more different reactors have to operate in parallel as shown in FIG. 2. [0107] a. In rector R.sub.1, the microbial culture was prepared in nutrient media. To the media, 0.2 mM salt solution and 0.2 wt % of metal counter species or H.sub.2S gas has been supplied in a continuous process (0.1 ml/min). The formation of semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalysts occurs after 24 h of inoculation at 30 C. The growth of microbial culture of culture has been monitored by OD analysis. [0108] b. In the reactor R.sub.2, CO.sub.2 hydration occurs by the presence of carbonic anhydrase enzyme immobilized on magnetic foam. The CO.sub.2 dissolved solution is continuously supplied to the R2. [0109] c. The cell from the reactor R.sub.1 was centrifuged and transferred to the rector R.sub.3 till the OD reached to R.sub.2. After that the soluble CO.sub.2 from reactor R2 was released with a floe rate of 1 ml/Min. [0110] d. To the reactor R.sub.3, light source was provided from all sides via continuous or intermittent process. The intermittent light was provided in 1 s:5 s dark and light ratio. The reaction continues for 24 h and the cell was separated from the product by centrifugation and recalculated to reactor R1.

[0111] Having described the basic aspects of the present invention, the following non-limiting examples illustrate specific embodiment thereof.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

[0112] CO.sub.2 Conversion by ZnS/g-C.sub.3N.sub.4/Neutral Red Enterobacter aerogenes (EA-1) (MTCC 25016)

[0113] a. Selection and Culture of Electroactive Microbe [0114] An electro active Enterobacter aerogenes (EA-1) (MTCC 25016) microbe was isolated and cultivated in an optimized medium. All glassware and samples were sterilized by autoclaving at 121 C. for 15 min. The media composition was as follows: (0.40 g/L NaCl, 0.40 g/L NH.sub.4C1, 0.33 g/L MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 0.05 g/L CaCl.sub.2, 0.25 g/L KCl, 0.64 g/L K.sub.2HPO.sub.4, 2.50 g/L NaHCO.sub.3, trace mineral (1000.0 mg/L MnSO.sub.4.H.sub.2O, 200.0 mg/L CoCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O, 0.2 mg/L ZnSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 20.0 mg/L CuCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2O, 2000.0 mg/L Nitriloacetic acid), and vitamin (Pyridoxine.HCl 10.0 mg/L, Thiamine.HCl 5.0 mg/L, Riboflavin 5.0 mg/L, Nicotinic acid 5.0 mg/L, Biotin 2.0 mg/L, Folic acid 2.0 mg/L, Vitamin B12 0.1 mg/L, 0.5% glucose). Cultures were grown at 30 C. Cell growth was monitored by measuring OD at 660 nm with a UV visible spectrophotometer.

[0115] b. Preparation of Semi-Conducting Hybrid Solution [0116] ZnS semiconducting particle has been synthesized on the surface of the microbes by passing H.sub.2S in with a flow rate of 10:0.1. Typically, in a 100 ml of deionized water 0.1 mg of g-C.sub.3N.sub.4 was dispersed by sonication and 0.2 mM Zn(NO.sub.3).sub.2 was added to it. To the dispersed material 500 L of Tween 20 was added as a surface directing agent. After 1 h of sonication 0.01 mM Neutral red was added. The material was designated as A. In an autoclaved tube the active microbial culture (5 ml) (CFU=2.310.sup.8) was centrifuged, washed in phosphate buffer (pH=7.5) and diluted in 1 ml of buffer for microbe-ZnS hybrids synthesis. In H.sub.2S mediated biogenic hybrid synthesis, 50 ppm H.sub.2S (balance N.sub.2) gas was passed through a filter to 20 ml media containing 4 ml of A for 30 second at a rate of 0.1 ml/min and the light whitish solution obtained was inoculated for 24 at 30 C.

[0117] c. Analysis of Biogenic Hybrid Catalyst [0118] All photosynthesis measurements were conducted for a conjugative period of 5 days using CO.sub.2 as carbon source. In one set of experiment, CO.sub.2 (99.99%) was purged for 5 h/day in continuous mode in 20 ml/h through filter. Visible light of wavelength t (>400 nm) was employed to provide photon flux. Provision has been made to provide light at different conditions to the biogenic hybrid catalyst to utilize CO.sub.2 in their metabolic activity. In one set of experiments, constant solar light was given for 24 h and in another set, intermittent light source was given with light:dark ratio of 1:3 s. 1 ml of the culture form the serum bottle were withdrawn from time to time; centrifuged for 5 min at 15,000 rpm and the supernatant were quantified using an Agilent model 6850 gas chromatograph (GC) system equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID), a DB-FFAP capillary column (0.25 mm film thickness), and an automatic injector. [0119] First of all, the viability determined by colony-forming units (CFU) assays for 5 days (from the initial 5.90.410.sup.9 CFU ml.sup.1 to 1.70.410.sup.9 cells ml.sup.1), indicating that the ZnS/g-C.sub.3N.sub.4/neutral red Enterobacter aerogenes microbe hybrid system has potential ability for sustainable growth with the experimental condition.

[0120] d. Analysis of Hydrocarbon Conversion by the Biogenic Hybrid Catalyst [0121] To confirm solar to fuel and hydrocarbon conversion by ZnS/g-C.sub.3N.sub.4/neutral red Enterobacter aerogenes microbe hybrid, a series of control experiments was carried out in which microbe ZnS, and light were systematically removed. In the absence of light no product formation happens. However, when light was given (both constant and intermittent) a series of single and multiple carbon products are obtained: methanol, ethanol, acetic acid. When controlled experiments were carried out using only Enterobacter aerogenes no product formation was observed in both continuous and intermittent light indicating that the microbes are non-photosynthetic. Several stringent controls with different combinations have been tried as shown in the FIG. 5. It has been found that a very low concentration of methanol, acetic acid have been obtained in the controlled condition for both constant and intermittent light condition. However, product formation surprising enhanced when the semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalyst composed of Enterobacter aerogenes+ZnS+g-C.sub.3N.sub.4+NR has been used. 0.89 g/L of methanol, 0.087 g/L ethanol and 0.213 g/L acetic acid were obtained under constant light source (FIG. 3). There is a significantly product enhancement: 1.080 g/L of methanol, 0.061 g/L ethanol and 0.098 g/L acetic acid in intermittent light source (FIG. 5). The detailed experimental conditions are presented in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Experimental conditions Bio-hybrid ZnS/g-C.sub.3N.sub.4/neutral red Enterobacter aerogenes microbe hybrid Temperature 30 C. CO.sub.2 flow rate 1 ml/min Final Product 0.89 g/L of methanol, 0.087 g/L ethanol (Constant and 0.213 g/L acetic acid light source) Final Product 1.080 g/L of methanol, 0.061 g/L ethanol (Intermittent and 0.098 g/L acetic acid light source)

Example 2

[0122] CO.sub.2 Conversion by SnS/MoS.sub.2/CNT Shewanella sp. (EA-2) (MTCC 25020)

[0123] For continuous mode of operation, three reactor systems have been used as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0124] a. Selection and Culture of Electroactive Microbe [0125] As directed in the example-1, the Shewanella sp. (EA-2) (MTCC 25020) Microbes were grown in the reactor R.sub.1 composed of media 0.40 g/L NaCl, 0.40 g/L NH.sub.4C1, 0.33 g/L MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 0.05 g/L CaCl.sub.2, 0.25 g/L KCl, 0.64 g/L K.sub.2HPO.sub.4, 2.50 g/L NaHCO.sub.3, trace mineral (1000.0 mg/L MnSO.sub.4.H.sub.2O, 200.0 mg/L CoCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O, 0.2 mg/L ZnSO.sub.4 7H.sub.2O, 20.0 mg/L CuCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2O, 2000.0 mg/L Nitriloacetic acid), and vitamin (Pyridoxine.HCl 10.0 mg/L, Thiamine.HCl 5.0 mg/L, Riboflavin 5.0 mg/L, Nicotinic acid 5.0 mg/L, Biotin 2.0 mg/L, Folic acid 2.0 mg/L, Vitamin B12 0.1 mg/L.

[0126] b. Preparation of the Semiconducting Hybrid Solution [0127] In another vessel, the semiconducting hybrid was prepared by adding 0.2 mM SnCl.sub.2, 0.1 g MoS.sub.2 and 500 L single walled CNT solutions (2 mg/ml) in 100 ml of deionised water. To the solution 0.1 ml of Tween 20 was added as surface directing agent. The whole solution was sonicated for 1 h to obtain a homogeneously dispersed solution. The solution was autoclaved at 100 C. for 15 min and designated as A. [0128] To the react R.sub.1 containing microbial culture, solution A was supplied at a flow rate of 0.1 ml/min. At the same time, H.sub.2S gas has been supplied in a continuous process (0.1 ml/min). The formation of semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalysts occurs after 24 h of inoculation at 30 C. The growth of SnS/MoS.sub.2/CNT Shewanella sp. microbe hybrid microbial culture of has been monitored by OD analysis.

[0129] c. Analysis of Biogenic Hybrid Catalyst [0130] SnS/MoS.sub.2/CNT Shewanella sp. microbes hybrid has been characterized using electron microscopic studies. The SnS act as a biocompatible semiconductor to harvest sunlight. The MoS.sub.2 as an efficient 2D material helps in electron transfer and hence reduces the electron-hole recombination. The CNT (multi walled) here act as a facilitator to transfer electron form the semiconductor hybrid to cell of the microbes. [0131] In the reactor R.sub.2, CO.sub.2 hydration occurs by the presence of carbonic anhydrase enzyme immobilized on magnetic foam. The CO.sub.2 (99.999%) was supplied to the reactor from below at a flow rate of 1 ml/min and the reactor contain immobilized CA. The CO.sub.2 dissolved solution is continuously supplied to the R.sub.2 with a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. [0132] The cell from the reactor R.sub.1 was centrifuged and transferred to the rector R.sub.3 till the OD reached a value of 2 in R.sub.2. The reactor has been stirred continuously at 300 rpm. After that the soluble CO.sub.2 from reactor R.sub.2 was released to reactor R.sub.3 with a flow rate of 1 ml/Min. [0133] To the reactor R.sub.3, light source was provided from all sides via continuous or intermittent process. The intermittent light was provided in 1 s:5 s dark and light ratios. The reaction continues for 15 consecutive days and in each 24 h the cells were separated from the product by centrifugation and recalculated to reactor R.sub.1.

[0134] d. Analysis of Hydrocarbon Conversion by the Biogenic Hybrid Catalyst [0135] From the product profile (FIGS. 5 &6), it was found that the formation of the product varies according to the microbe used. In case of semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalyst containing ZnS/g-C.sub.3N.sub.4/neutral red Enterobacter aerogenes (EA-1), methanol has been obtained as the prominent product (1.05 g/L/day) in intermittent light condition. At the same time, formation of lower condition of acetic acid (0.095 g/L/day) and ethanol (0.06 g/L/day) were also observed. However, using a different semiconducting biogenic hybrid catalyst SnS/MoS.sub.2/CNT Shewanella sp. (EA-2) (at same condition), ethanol has been the prominent product (1.00 g/L/day) along with low concentration of methanol (0.048 g/L/day and acetic acid (0.12 g/L/day). Furthermore, it has been observed that the concentration of product varies depending on the electro active microbe, semiconducting material, 2D material, electron facilitator used. A comparative table of product formation is included in the FIG. 7.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Experimental conditions Bio-hybrid ZnS/g-C.sub.3N.sub.4/neutral red SnS/MoS.sub.2/CNT Enterobacter aerogenes Shewanella sp. (EA-2) microbe hybrid (EA-1) Temperature 30 C. 30 C. CO.sub.2 flow rate 1 ml/min 1 ml/min Final Product 1.080 g/L of Methanol, Ethanol (~1.00 g/L/day), (Intermittent light 0.061 g/L Ethanol, and Methanol (0.048 g/L/day), and source) 0.098 g/L Acetic Acid Acetic Acid (0.12 g/L/day).

Example 3

[0136] CO.sub.2 Conversion by ZnS/MoS.sub.2/CNT Serratia sp (EA-2) (MTCC 25017)

[0137] a. Selection and Culture of Electroactive Microbe [0138] An electro active Serratia sp. (EA-2) (MTCC 25017) microbe was isolated and cultivated in an optimized medium. All glassware and samples were sterilized by autoclaving at 121 C. for 15 min. The media composition was as follows: (0.40 g/L NaCl, 0.40 g/L NH.sub.4C1, 0.33 g/L MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 0.05 g/L CaCl.sub.2, 0.25 g/L KCl, 0.64 g/L K.sub.2HPO.sub.4, 2.50 g/L NaHCO.sub.3, trace mineral (1000.0 mg/L MnSO.sub.4.H.sub.2O, 200.0 mg/L CoCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O, 0.2 mg/L ZnSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 20.0 mg/L CuCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2O, 2000.0 mg/L Nitriloacetic acid), and vitamin (Pyridoxine.HCl 10.0 mg/L, Thiamine.HCl 5.0 mg/L, Riboflavin 5.0 mg/L, Nicotinic acid 5.0 mg/L, Biotin 2.0 mg/L, Folic acid 2.0 mg/L, Vitamin B12 0.1 mg/L, 0.5% glucose). Cultures were grown at 30 C. Cell growth was monitored by measuring OD at 660 nm with a UV visible spectrophotometer.

[0139] b. Preparation of the Semiconducting Hybrid Solution [0140] In another vessel, the semiconducting hybrid solution was prepared by adding 0.2 mM ZnCl.sub.2, 0.1 g MoS.sub.2 and 0.1 mg multi walled CNT in 100 ml of deionised water. To the solution 0.2 mg p-172 surfactant was added. The whole solution was sonicated for 30 min to obtain a homogeneously dispersed solution. The solution was autoclaved at 121 C. for 15 min. [0141] To 1 ml of the fully grown (CFU=2.3*10.sup.8) Serratia sp culture, 4 ml of autoclaved semiconducting hybrid solution was added and incubated at 35 C. for 24 h. At the same time, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2S were purged to the media with a flow rate of 10:0.1 as per the procedure provided in example 1. Slowly the color of the medium (after 48 h) was changed to pale white indicating the formation of ZnS/MoS.sub.2/CNT Serratia sp. hybrid. The growth of the microbe hybrid was also monitored by OD analysis.

[0142] c. Analysis of Biogenic Hybrid Catalyst [0143] The ZnS/MoS.sub.2/CNT Serratia sp. hybrid was then exposed to both constant and intermittent light source (>420 nm) (5 s light and 2 second dark). The product was analyzed after each 3 hour by GC. The product profile is provided in Table 3.

Example 4

[0144] CO.sub.2 Conversion by CdS/ZnS/g-C.sub.3N.sub.4 Alcaligenes sp. (MTCC 25022)

[0145] a. Selection and Culture of Electroactive Microbe [0146] An electro active Alcaligenes sp. (MTCC 25022) microbe was isolated and cultivated in an optimized medium. All glassware and samples were sterilized by autoclaving at 121 C. for 15 min. The media composition was as follows: (0.40 g/L NaCl, 0.40 g/L NH.sub.4C1, 0.33 g/L MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 0.05 g/L CaCl.sub.2, 0.25 g/L KCl, 0.64 g/L K.sub.2HPO.sub.4, 2.50 g/L NaHCO.sub.3, trace mineral (1000.0 mg/L MnSO.sub.4.H.sub.2O, 200.0 mg/L CoCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O, 0.2 mg/L ZnSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 20.0 mg/L CuCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2O, 2000.0 mg/L Nitriloacetic acid), and vitamin (Pyridoxine.HCl 10.0 mg/L, Thiamine.HCl 5.0 mg/L, Riboflavin 5.0 mg/L, Nicotinic acid 5.0 mg/L, Biotin 2.0 mg/L, Folic acid 2.0 mg/L, Vitamin B12 0.1 mg/L, 0.5% glucose). Cultures were grown at 30 C. Cell growth was monitored by measuring OD at 660 nm with a UV visible spectrophotometer.

[0147] b. Preparation of the Semiconducting Hybrid Solution [0148] In another vessel, the semiconducting hybrid was prepared by adding 0.2 mM CdCl.sub.2, 0.2 mM ZnCl.sub.2, 0.1 g g-C.sub.3N.sub.4 and 0.1 g Neutral red in 100 ml of deionised water. To the solution Lauryl dimethyl amine oxide (0.2 mg) was added to act as the surface directing agent. The whole solution was sonicated for 30 min to obtain a homogeneously dispersed solution. The solution was autoclaved at 121 C. for 15 min. [0149] To 1 ml of the (CFU=2.3*10.sup.8) Alcaligenes sp. culture, 100 ml of autoclaved g-C.sub.3N.sub.4/Zn.sup.+/Cd.sup.2+ was added and incubated at 35 C. for 24 h. At the same time, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2S were purged to the media with a flow rate of 10:0.1 as per the procedure provided in example 1. Slowly the color of the medium (after 48 h) was changed to pale white indicating the formation of gC.sub.3N.sub.4/CdS/ZnS Alcaligenes sp. hybrid. The growth of the microbe hybrid was also monitored by OD analysis.

[0150] c. Analysis of Biogenic Hybrid Catalyst [0151] The gC.sub.3N.sub.4/CdS/ZnS Alcaligenes sp. hybrid was then exposed to intermittent light source (5 s light and 2 second dark). The product was analyzed after each 3 hour by GC. The product profile is provided in Table 3.

Example 5

[0152] CO.sub.2 Conversion by CdS/TiC/g-C.sub.3N.sub.4 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC-1036)

[0153] a. Selection and Culture of Electroactive Microbe [0154] An electro active Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC-1036) microbe was isolated and cultivated in an optimized medium. All glassware and samples were sterilized by autoclaving at 121 C. for 15 min. The media composition was as follows: (0.40 g/L NaCl, 0.40 g/L NH.sub.4C1, 0.33 g/L MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 0.05 g/L CaCl.sub.2, 0.25 g/L KCl, 0.64 g/L K.sub.2HPO.sub.4, 2.50 g/L NaHCO.sub.3, trace mineral (1000.0 mg/L MnSO.sub.4.H.sub.2O, 200.0 mg/L CoCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O, 0.2 mg/L ZnSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 20.0 mg/L CuCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2O, 2000.0 mg/L Nitriloacetic acid), and vitamin (Pyridoxine.HCl 10.0 mg/L, Thiamine.HCl 5.0 mg/L, Riboflavin 5.0 mg/L, Nicotinic acid 5.0 mg/L, Biotin 2.0 mg/L, Folic acid 2.0 mg/L, Vitamin B12 0.1 mg/L, 0.5% glucose). Cultures were grown at 30 C. Cell growth was monitored by measuring OD at 660 nm with a UV visible spectrophotometer.

[0155] b. Preparation of the Semiconducting Hybrid Solution [0156] In another vessel, the semiconducting hybrid was prepared by adding 0.1 mg of g-C.sub.3N.sub.4 and 0.1 mg of nano TiC in a 100 ml of deionized water followed by dispersing by sonication for 1 h. Subsequently, 0.2 mM CdCl.sub.2 was also added to the solution and subjected to further dispersion for 30 minutes. To the solution 0.2 mg Polyethoxylated alcohol was added to act as the surface directing agent. The whole solution was sonicated for 30 min to obtain a homogeneously dispersed solution. The solution was autoclaved at 121 C. for 15 min. [0157] To 1 ml of the (CFU=2.3*10.sup.8) Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture, 100 ml of autoclaved g-C.sub.3N.sub.4/TiC/Cd.sup.2+ was added and incubated at 35 C. for 24 h. At the same time, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2S were purged to the media with a flow rate of 10:0.1 as per the procedure provided in example 1. Slowly the color of the medium (after 48 h) was changed to pale white indicating the formation of gC.sub.3N.sub.4/CdS/TiC Pseudomonas aeruginosa hybrid. The growth of the microbe hybrid was also monitored by OD analysis.

[0158] c. Analysis of Biogenic Hybrid Catalyst [0159] The gC.sub.3N.sub.4/CdS/TiC Pseudomonas aeruginosa hybrid was then exposed to intermittent light source (5 s light and 2 second dark). The pH of the medium was maintained at 7.0 using phosphate buffer. The product was analyzed after each 3 hour by GC. The product profile is provided in Table 3.

Example 6

[0160] CO.sub.2 Conversion by CdS/TiC/Gr-Np Ochrobactrum anthropi Microbes (MTCC-9026)

[0161] a. Selection and Culture of Electroactive Microbe [0162] An electro active Ochrobactrum anthropi microbe (MTCC 9026) was isolated and cultivated in an optimized medium. All glassware and samples were sterilized by autoclaving at 121 C. for 15 min. The media composition was as follows: (0.40 g/L NaCl, 0.40 g/L NH.sub.4C1, 0.33 g/L MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 0.05 g/L CaCl.sub.2), 0.25 g/L KCl, 0.64 g/L K.sub.2HPO.sub.4, 2.50 g/L NaHCO.sub.3, trace mineral (1000.0 mg/L MnSO.sub.4.H.sub.2O, 200.0 mg/L CoCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O, 0.2 mg/L ZnSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 20.0 mg/L CuCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2O, 2000.0 mg/L Nitriloacetic acid), and vitamin (Pyridoxine.HCl 10.0 mg/L, Thiamine.HCl 5.0 mg/L, Riboflavin 5.0 mg/L, Nicotinic acid 5.0 mg/L, Biotin 2.0 mg/L, Folic acid 2.0 mg/L, Vitamin B12 0.1 mg/L, 0.5% glucose). Cultures were grown at 30 C. Cell growth was monitored by measuring OD at 660 nm with a UV visible spectrophotometer.

[0163] b. Preparation of the Semiconducting Hybrid Solution [0164] In another vessel, the semiconducting hybrid was prepared by adding 0.1 mg of Graphene Nanoparticles (Gr-Np) and 0.1 mg of nano TiC in a 100 ml of deionized water followed by dispersing by sonication for 1 h. Subsequently, 0.2 mM CdCl.sub.2 was also added to the solution and subjected to further dispersion for 30 minutes. To the solution 0.1 mg Ruthenium complex as electron facilitator and 0.2 mg sodium lauryl sulfate was added to act as the surface directing agent. The whole solution was sonicated for 30 min to obtain a homogeneously dispersed solution. The solution was autoclaved at 121 C. for 15 min. [0165] To 1 ml of the (CFU=2.3*10.sup.8) Ochrobactrum anthropi culture, 100 ml of autoclaved Gr-Np/TiC/Cd.sup.2+ was added and incubated at 35 C. for 24 h. At the same time, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2S were purged to the media with a flow rate of 10:0.1 as per the procedure provided in example 1. Slowly the color of the medium (after 48 h) was changed to pale white indicating the formation of Gr-Np/CdS/TiC Ochrobactrum anthropi hybrid. The growth of the microbe hybrid was also monitored by OD analysis.

[0166] c. Analysis of Biogenic Hybrid Catalyst [0167] The Gr-Np/CdS/TiC Ochrobactrum anthropi hybrid was then exposed to intermittent light source (5 s light and 2 second dark). The pH of the medium was maintained at 7.0 using phosphate buffer. The product was analyzed after each 3 hour by GC. The product profile is provided in Table 3.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 End Products Experimental Acetic Butyric Caproic Condition Methanol Ethanol acid Butanol Isopropanol acid acid ZnS/MoS.sub.2/CNT 0.64 0.54 0.36 ND ND 0.14 ND Serratia sp (EA-2) (MTCC 25017) CdS/ZnS/g-C3N4 ND 1.28 0.96 1.14 ND 0.81 0.16 Alcaligenes sp. (MTCC 25022) CdS/TiC/g-C.sub.3N.sub.4 1.78 ND 1.13 ND 0.66 1.41 0.12 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC-1036) CdS/TiC/Gr-Np ND ND 0.98 0.41 0.97 0.89 0.33 Ochrobactrum anthropi microbes (MTCC-9026)

Example 7

[0168] CO.sub.2 Conversion Using Combination of Microbe and Salt and One 2D Material [0169] a. Different combinations of semi-conducting biogenic hybrid catalysts were synthesized and final products were analyzed by using a similar method as described in example-1. [0170] b. During the synthesis of semi-conducting biogenic hybrid catalysts, two or more salts, 2D materials and electron facilitators were added, whenever required, in equimolar quantities so that the final concentration were same as described in example-1. [0171] c. The temperature for all the experiments were fixed at 30 C. and CO.sub.2 flow rate at 1 ml/min [0172] d. Intermittent light source (wavelength >400 nm) was used to carry out all the experiments. [0173] e. The product concentration were given in the Table 4

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Yield of the product (g/L/Day) 2D Electron Acetic Butyric Caproic Microbe Salt material facilitator Methanol Ethanol acid Butanol Isopropanol acid acid Pseudomonas ND ND ND ND ND ND ND alcaliphila MTCC-6724 Pseudomonas GaCl.sub.3 WS2 Ruthenium 0.016 1.06 0.21 0.44 ND ND ND alcaliphila complex MTCC-6724 Pseudomonas GaCl3 Ruthenium ND ND ND ND ND ND ND alcaliphila complex MTCC-6724 Pseudomonas GaCl3 WS2 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND alcaliphila MTCC-6724 Pseudomonas WS2 Ruthenium ND ND ND ND ND ND ND alcaliphila complex MTCC-6724 Ochrobactrum InCl3 + SnS2 Cu(II) ND 0.68 0.96 1.12 ND 0.24 ND anthropi ZnCl2 Imidazole ATCC 49188 complex Ochrohactrum SnCl4 + borophene Iron ND ND 1.16 0.32 0.98 1.21 0.24 anthropi FeCl3 Prophyrin ATCC 49188 complex Enterobacter Fe2O3 + borophene Multiwalled ND 1.41 1.16 1.08 ND 0.74 0.22 aerogenes ZnO + CNT (EA-1) CdO MTCC 25016 Enterobacter In2O3 MoS.sub.2 + Iron ND 1.56 1.02 1.34 ND 0.98 0.26 aerogenes WS2 Shiffbase (EA-1) complex MTCC 25016 Pseudomonas ZnO Phosphorene + Iron 1.81 ND 1.44 ND 0.62 1.63 0.11 aeruginosa SnS.sub.2 Shiffbase MTCC-1036 complex Alcaligenes ZnBr.sub.2 MoS.sub.2 Iron ND 1.32 0.92 1.16 ND 0.76 0.14 sp. Shiffbase MTCC 25022 complex + Ruthenium complex Alcaligenes SnO Porous Cd (II)- ND 1.26 1.14 1.18 ND 0.94 0.21 sp. graphene Imidazole MTCC 25022 complex + Iron Prophyrin complex

Example 8

[0174] Use of Raw Biogas as Feedstock

[0175] The following example describes the use of biogas as feedstock which may be used as a process for up gradation of biogas along with CO.sub.2 conversion to valuable products using present invention.

[0176] a. Selection and Culture of Electroactive Microbe

[0177] An electro active Serratia sp (EA-2) (MTCC 25017) was cultivated in an optimized medium. All glassware and samples were sterilized by autoclaving at 121 C. for 15 min. The media composition was as follows: (0.60 g/L NaCl, 0.20 g/L NH.sub.4C1, 0.35 g/L MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 0.09 g/L CaCl.sub.2), trace mineral (1000.0 mg/L MnSO.sub.4.H.sub.2O, 200.0 mg/L CoCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O, 0.2 mg/L ZnSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 20.0 mg/L CuCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2O, 2000.0 mg/L Nitriloacetic acid), and vitamin (Pyridoxine.HCl 10.0 mg/L, Thiamine.HCl 5.0 mg/L, Riboflavin 5.0 mg/L, Nicotinic acid 5.0 mg/L, Biotin 2.0 mg/L, Folic acid 2.0 mg/L, Vitamin B12 0.1 mg/L, 0.5% glucose). Cultures were grown at 30 C. Cell growth was monitored by measuring OD at 660 nm with a UV visible spectrophotometer.

[0178] b. Preparation of the Semiconducting Hybrid Solution [0179] In another vessel, the semiconducting hybrid was prepared by adding 0.1 mg of graphene nanoparticles (Gr-Np) and 0.1 mg of nano TiC in a 100 ml of deionized water followed by dispersing by sonication for 1 h. Subsequently, 0.2 mM CdCl.sub.2 was also added to the solution and subjected to further dispersion for 30 minutes. To the solution 0.1 mg Ruthenium complex as electron facilitator and 0.2 mg sodium lauryl sulfate was added to act as the surface directing agent. The whole solution was sonicated for 30 min to obtain a homogeneously dispersed solution. The solution was autoclaved at 121 C. for 15 min. To 1 ml of the (CFU=2.210.sup.8) Serratia sp (EA-2) (MTCC 25017), 250 ml of autoclaved Gr-Np/TiC/Cd.sup.2+ was added and incubated at 35 C. for 24 h.

[0180] c. Use of Raw Biogas as CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2S Source [0181] 250 ml of Gr-Np/CdS/TiC Serratia sp (EA-2) was placed in a glass column (0.5 meter). Raw biogas having composition 60% CH.sub.3, 40% CO.sub.2 and 300 ppm H.sub.2S were purged to the media with a flow rate of 1 ml/min with an retention time of 650 second. The column was exposed to intermittent light source (5 s light and 2 second dark). The pH of the medium was maintained at 7.0 using phosphate buffer.

[0182] d. Analysis of Product [0183] The gas outlet was collected in a tedlar bag and analyzed by GC. The result shows an outlet gas concentration with 98% CH.sub.3 and 2% CO.sub.2. [0184] 5 ml of product from column reactor was collected after 24 h, centrifuged and was analyzed by GC. It was found that with intermittent light 1.87 g/L of methanol, 0.61 g/L ethanol and 0.95 g/L acetic acid were obtained.