Hydrogen production from switchgrass via an integrated pyrolysis–microbial electrolysis process

[Display omitted] •Demonstrated conversion of switchgrass-derived bio-oil aqueous phase to hydrogen.•Enriched anode community capable of simultaneously converting inhibitory compounds.•Achieved hydrogen production rate of 4.3LH2/L-day using biomass-derived liquids.•Long-term operation with high Coul...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bioresource technology 2015-11, Vol.195, p.231-241
Main Authors: Lewis, A.J., Ren, S., Ye, X., Kim, P., Labbe, N., Borole, A.P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteria - metabolism
Batch Cell Culture Techniques
Bio-oil aqueous phase
Bioelectric Energy Sources
Biofuels
Chromatography, Gas
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
Electricity
Electrodes
Electrolysis - methods
Hot Temperature
Hydrogen - metabolism
Integrated hydrogen production
Integrated pyrolysis-MEC
Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC)
Panicum - metabolism
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S - genetics
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Summary:[Display omitted] •Demonstrated conversion of switchgrass-derived bio-oil aqueous phase to hydrogen.•Enriched anode community capable of simultaneously converting inhibitory compounds.•Achieved hydrogen production rate of 4.3LH2/L-day using biomass-derived liquids.•Long-term operation with high Coulombic, conversion and overall energy efficiencies. A new approach to hydrogen production using an integrated pyrolysis–microbial electrolysis process is described. The aqueous stream generated during pyrolysis of switchgrass was used as a substrate for hydrogen production in a microbial electrolysis cell, achieving a maximum hydrogen production rate of 4.3LH2/L anode-day at a loading of 10g COD/L-anode-day. Hydrogen yields ranged from 50±3.2% to 76±0.5% while anode Coulombic efficiency ranged from 54±6.5% to 96±0.21%, respectively. Significant conversion of furfural, organic acids and phenolic molecules was observed under both batch and continuous conditions. The electrical and overall energy efficiency ranged from 149–175% and 48–63%, respectively. The results demonstrate the potential of the pyrolysis–microbial electrolysis process as a sustainable and efficient route for production of renewable hydrogen with significant implications for hydrocarbon production from biomass.
ISSN:0960-8524
1873-2976
DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2015.06.085