Application of nanotechnology in dark fermentation for enhanced biohydrogen production using inorganic nanoparticles

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2019-05, Vol.44 (26), p.13106-13113
• Main Authors: Kumar, Gopalakrishnan, Mathimani, Thangavel, Rene, Eldon R., Pugazhendhi, Arivalagan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biohydrogen; Dark fermentation; Nanoparticles fermentation; Organic substrates
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.03.131

Fermentation is an important innovation by mankind and this process is used for converting organic substrate into useful products. Using natural conditions, specifically, light and dark conditions, photo-fermentation and dark fermentation techniques can be developed and operated under controlled conditions. Generally, products such as biofuels, bioactive compounds and enzymes have been produced using the dark fermentation method. However, the major requirement for today's industralized world is biofuels in its clean and pure forms. Biohydrogen is the most efficient and cleanest form of energy produced using dark fermentation of organic substrates. Nevertheless, the quantity of biohydrogen produced via dark fermentation is low. In order to increase the product quantity and quality, several internal and external stress or alterations are made to conventional fermentation conditions. In recent times, nanotechnology has been introduced to enhance the rate of dark fermentation. Nanoparticles (NPs), specifically, inorganic NPs such as silver, iron, titanium oxide and nickel have increased the production rate of biohydrogen. Therefore, the present review focuses on exploring the potential of nanotechnology in the dark fermentation of biohydrogen production, the mechanisms involved, substrates used and changes to be made to increase the production efficiency of dark fermentation. •Review on advancement of nanoparticles (NPs) in dark fermentation.•Increased hydrogen production rate via inorganic nanoparticles.•Mechanism and substrates involved in nanotechnology of biohydrogen production.•Role of Fe, FeO, Ni, TiO2, and other NPs in dark fermentative biohydrogen production.