Nanomaterials mediated valorization of agriculture waste residue for biohydrogen production

Abstract

Hydrogen is consider as clean fuel with potential source of unlimited clean power. The global market for the hydrogen generation is expected to be $317.39 billion by 2030. The key factors responsible for hydrogen generation market includes high demand of conventional fuel in steel, cement and power generation industries and government initiatives for green and sustainable environment. It is of the utmost note that the major production of hydrogen is based on conversion from fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum etc. Among green hydrogen production method transformation of biomass to biohydrogen via anaerobic fermentation is considered as carbon neutral source of energy. However, the yield of hydrogen production is low and depends upon various factors such waste composition, bioreactor type, and microorganisms used its production, but production is limited due to shortage of raw materials. Since, the biomass such as agriculture waste residues are largely available as corn stover, sugar beet juice, beverage waste; water, wheat straw, rice straw, wood chips, sawdust, shrubs, and branches etc. The major hurdle in dark fermentation is lower biohydrogen yield due to inefficient conversion of carbohydrates into biohydrogen. Nanomaterials can help in valorization of agriculture residue for efficient biohydrogen production. Nano-technological application like increasing surface area, enzyme stability and saccharification efficiency of enzyme can contribute in biohydrogen production. Nanoparticles may result in a shift in the microbial community and the metabolic pathway for hydrogen production. This review explore the impending application of nanomaterial for valorization of agriculture biomass, biochemical pathways, and possible application of nanomaterial as individual or in composite to improve biohydrogen production.