Microbial biomass conversion for hydrogen production: A review

Abstract

The escalating demand for clean and sustainable energy sources has propelled hydrogen to the forefront of alternative fuel research. Microbial biomass conversion, a bio-based process utilizing microorganisms to convert organic matter into hydrogen, presents a promising avenue for achieving this goal. This review provides a comprehensive overview of possible microbial biomass conversion methods, including both light-dependent and light-independent methods, and compares their hydrogen production rates (HPRs). Light-dependent methods such as photo-fermentation offer HPRs exceeding 3 m³/dm³, suggesting highly efficient hydrogen generation possibilities. However, most rely on indirect processes or specific light conditions, potentially hindering H₂ production. Dark fermentation (DF) demonstrates significantly higher HPRs, up to 12 m³/d/m³, with no light requirements, making it a strong contender for large-scale production. Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) show even greater HPRs of up to 72 m³/d/m³, competing favorably in hydrogen generation feasibility. Despite promising advancements, challenges remain in scaling up these processes for commercial viability. While current research achieves high HPRs, reactor volumes are typically below 1 L. This review explores opportunities and challenges associated with scaling up, particularly focusing on integrating DF and MECs. Combining these methods holds promise for enhancing stability and achieving efficient energy recovery.

Keywords

Microbial biomass / Dark-fermentation / Photo-fermentation / Hydrogen production

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Muhamad Reda Galih Pangestu: Writing - original draft, Software, Resources, Data curation, Conceptualization. Shaikh Abdur Razzak: Writing - review & editing, Supervision, Investigation, Data curation. Shihab Uddin: Writing - review & editing, Writing - original draft, Supervision, Software, Resources, Project administration, Investigation, Data curation, Conceptualization.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors assert that they don't have any identifiable conflicts.

Acknowledgement

The authors gratefully acknowledge to the department of Bioengineering, and Interdisciplinary Research Center for Bio Systems and Machines, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, 31261, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

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