Photobiological hydrogen production via immobilization: understanding the nature of the immobilization and investigation on various conventional photobioreactors.

Abstract

Hydrogen photoproduction from microalgae has been an emerging topic for biofuel development. However, low yield for large-scale cultivations seems to be the main challenge. Immobilization seems to be an alternative method for sustainable hydrogen generation. In this study we examined the bead stability, bead diameter and immobilization method in accordance with photobioreactors (PBR). 2.1mm diameter beads were selected for PBR experiments. CSTR, tubular and panel type PBRs give important results to develop suitable immobilization matrixes and techniques for mass production in scalable PBR systems. In conclusion, we suggest to develop techniques specific for the design and operation characteristic of the PBR for a yield efficient hydrogen generation.