Microbial electrolysis cells for the production of biohydrogen in dark fermentation – A review

Abstract

To assess biohydrogen for future green energy, this review revisited dark fermentation and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). Hydrogen evolution rate in mesophilic dark fermentation is as high as 192 m3 H2/m3-d, however hydrogen yield is limited. MECs are ideal for improving hydrogen yield from carboxylate accumulated from dark fermentation, whereas hydrogen production rate is too slow in MECs. Hence, improving anode kinetic is very important for realizing MEC biohydrogen. Intracellular electron transfer (IET) and extracellular electron transfer (EET) can limit current density in MECs, which is proportional to hydrogen evolution rate. EET does not limit current density once electrically conductive biofilms are formed on anodes, potentially producing 300 A/m2. Hence, IET kinetics mainly govern current density in MECs. Among parameters associated with IET kinetic, population of anode-respiring bacteria in anode biofilms, biofilm density of active microorganisms, biofilm thickness, and alkalinity are critical for current density.