Methanogenesis was avoided in mixed culture biocathode for more than 300 days.
Long-term sequence batch operation created a robust autotrophic biocathode.
Heat shock and H2:CO2 enrichment established an effective CO2 reducing biocathode.
Acetate up to 10 g L− 1 accumulated at − 0.9 to − 1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) cathode potential.