Hydrogen fuel is a promising alternative to fossil fuels because of its energy content, clean nature, and fuel efficiency. However, it is not readily available. Most current producion processes are very energy intensive and emit carbon dioxide. Therefore, this article reviews technological options for hydrogen production that are eco‐friendly and generate clean hydrogen fuel. Biological methods, such different fermentation processes and photolysis are discussed together with the required substrates and the process efficiency.
The individual and mutual effects of the key parameters for hydrogen production in a photo-bioreactor containing Halobacterium salinarium MTCC 1626 immobilized in calcium alginate and E. coli MTCC 40 were investigated through factorial and the Box-Behnken experimental design. A full factorial design was utilized to determine the optimal ratio of H. salinarium and E. coli for maximum hydrogen production. The Box-Behnken design was used to optimize temperature, pH, light intensity, and stirrer speed in a photo-bioreactor. The quadratic model adequately predicted the individual and interaction effects of the variables. The optimal rate of hydrogen production of 53.22 mL/L.h was obtained with 50% E. coli and 15% immobilized H. salinarium with calcium alginate. The maximum experimental rate of hydrogen production of 75.8 mL/L.h was obtained at an initial pH of 7.38, a temperature of 35.8 oC, a light intensity of 12186 lux, and a stirring speed of 104 rpm.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.