Electrolysis Cell Research Articles

A Comparative Study on the Performance of Proton Ceramic Electrolysis Cells under Various Gas Conditions

This study investigated the performance of proton ceramic electrolysis cells (PCECs) under various gas conditions. PCECs consisting of BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-δ (BZCYYb1711) proton-conducting electrolyte, PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O6 – BZCYYb1711 composite air electrode and Ni – BZCYYb1711 fuel electrode were prepared. In order to find out the performance dependence on the air gas conditions, electrochemical evaluations were conducted by changing the air flow rate and its water vapor concentration. In addition, the performance tests were carried out under hydrogen (H2) and mixed gas (H2 10% – N2 balance) conditions in order to investigate the effect of the hydrogen concentration in the fuel electrode gas on the performance. The electrochemical performance was significantly improved when the steam concentration of the air electrode gas increased from 20 to 30%, while the increase in the air flow rate decreased the performance. Additionally, the mixed gas for the fuel electrode under 20% steam condition slightly improved the performance, compared to hydrogen, but not under 30% steam conditions. These results indicate that the most influential gas condition that determines the electrochemical performance is the water vapor concentration in the air electrode gas while the air flow rate and the hydrogen concentration have a slight effect on the performance.

A co-optimized control method of key parameters during operating state migration in zinc electrolysis process

Electrolysis is the primary energy-consuming process in zinc hydrometallurgy. Time-of-use pricing policy has caused changes in the optimal operating conditions of the electrolysis cell, necessitating adjustments to key parameters such as current density and the acid-to-zinc ratio to migrate it to the desired operational state. However, while the current density can be switched instantaneously, adjustments to the acid-to-zinc ratio occur slowly, leading to a prolonged mismatch between these key parameters, increasing energy consumption. To address this problem, this paper proposes a co-optimized control method of key parameters during the operating state migration in zinc electrolysis process. First, a co-optimization model is established with current density and acid-to-zinc ratio as decision variables. Next, a cascade control framework is designed in which the current density controller is subordinate to the acid-to-zinc ratio controller, transforming the problem of solving the co-optimization model into a parameter optimization problem for the acid-to-zinc ratio controller. Finally, a fitness function representing energy efficiency, control performance, and zinc yield during the operating state migration in zinc electrolysis process is designed, and a heuristic algorithm is employed to find the optimal parameters for the acid-to-zinc ratio controller. This achieves the optimal trajectory migration of the operating state in the zinc electrolysis process. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can reduce energy consumption during the operating state migration without compromising production efficiency, offering a new approach to energy-saving in the zinc electrolysis industry.

Enhance Hydrogen Production from Water Using 532 Lasers

ABSTRACT: hydrogen production via water electrolysis under the influence of laser sounds fascinating with its unique properties, was particularly effective in promoting hydrogen production. The mechanism by which the laser promotes hydrogen production The electrolytic cell used in this work contains 270 ml of distilled water stimulated with different amounts of alcohol (2 ml - 4 ml - 6 ml - 8 ml - 10 ml). This chamber consists of two vertically oriented cylinders. Inside each cylinder there are graphite electrodes, each measuring 10 x 5 x 7 mm3, connected to the positive and negative terminals of a direct current power source, in addition to using a green laser source (532). An efficiency study was conducted using a green laser with a wavelength of 532 nanometers as an optical light source for water analysis through electrolysis. Results were obtained using both the standard electrolysis method and with the green laser source (532 nm). In the case of standard electrolysis, we obtained (When adding 5 ml of cohol, we get 6.63 hydrogen ), while (Adding 10 ml of ill we get 7.44 of hydrogen ) was obtained when using the laser source. The results indicate that using the laser source enhances hydrogen production significantly compared to standard electrolysis, demonstrating the laser's high effectiveness in electrolysis due to its non-absorptive property in water. This could have significant implications for renewable energy and hydrogen fuel production.

Investigation into the electrolysis performance of a novel directly solar irradiated solid oxide electrolysis cell

Current coupling methods linking solar energy to solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) mostly involve indirect coupling, with limited studies exploring direct coupling. This study is the first to evaluate a novel directly solar irradiated solid oxide electrolysis cell, anticipating a reduction in polarization loss incurred during the electrolysis process and improving the electrochemical performance of the system through direct solar irradiation. Additionally, it aims to reduce electric energy consumption required to maintain the high-temperature environment for the reaction and enhance the energy conversion efficiency of the electrolysis system, presenting a unique coupling technology. Hence, this paper proposes and develops the inaugural solar SOEC system, directly harnessing sunlight on the SOEC electrode surface, achieving stable and continuous hydrogen production through experimental methods. Experimental results demonstrate that direct solar irradiation increases the SOEC system’s heating rate by 12 times compared to electric heating, with a notably swifter response time. Under identical electrolysis voltages, the system exhibits significantly higher efficiency under direct solar irradiation than under electric heating. Moreover, for equivalent hydrogen production, the total energy input from solar energy is lower than that from electric heating, saving about 76 % of energy. Under specific conditions—solar radiation power of 123.2 W, electrolysis temperature of 655 °C, cathode-side gas input maintaining a water-hydrogen molar ratio of 8:2, and an electrolysis voltage of 1.5 V—the SOEC system sustains a nearly constant current density of about 359 mA/cm2 for 3 h. Comparative experiments conducted under identical working conditions, both in solar and electrically heated environments, reveal that the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicates inhibited mass transfer processes during electrolysis under direct solar irradiation. Consequently, the electrochemical performance of the SOEC system operating under direct solar irradiation was lower than that under electrically heated environments, across varying electrolysis temperatures and water contents. This study uncovers the pivotal influence of direct solar irradiation on concentration losses during the electrolysis process. The corresponding concentration losses can be subsequently mitigated by optimizing the reactor structure of the solar SOEC system.

Segmented catalyst layer with varied catalyst loading to improve the cost performance of proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell, a numerical investigation

In this work, a steady-state, three-dimensional and non-isothermal numerical model for a proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell (PEMEC) is established. Based on this model, the distribution of catalyst loading is specifically designed according to the flow characteristics of both parallel and serpentine channels. In general, the catalyst loading is progressively reduced from inlet to outlet along the flow direction to match the local water content, leading to an innovative segmented catalyst layer which has not been studied yet for PEMEC applications. The electrochemical behavior of different segmentation schemes is investigated by comparing their polarization curves normalized by either electrode area or catalyst loading, while other physical fields such as velocity, pressure, water mole fraction and temperature distributions are also characterized. The numerical results reveal that a reasonable distribution of catalyst can reduce its amount of usage while still maintaining most of the PEMEC performance. In other words, the cost performance is significantly improved. This is mainly attributed to the full use of uneven water distribution in the flow channel, which improves the catalyst utilization efficiency significantly. This strategy is proved to be effective for both serpentine and parallel channels, ensuring a broad application prospect.

Concentric circular flow field to improve mass transport in large-scale proton exchange membrane water electrolysis cells

Uniform reactant supply is challenging for high-performance proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) in renewable energy storage. The anode flow-field pattern, anode flow-field orientation, and stoichiometric ratio influence mass transport. In this study, the performances of two flow-field patterns were compared for a single PEMWE cell with an active area of 100 cm2. Straight serpentine was used as the reference model and a concentric circle with an arc shape was designed. In addition, the optimal anode flow field orientation and stoichiometric ratio were determined. The results indicate that the optimal anode flow-field pattern differs depending on the stoichiometric ratio. At low flow rates, mass transfer via diffusion was dominant; therefore, a straight serpentine flow was preferred. In contrast, a concentric circle, which induces a significant differential pressure between adjacent channels, is preferable at a high flow rate. This is because convection is dominant in mass transfer. Maintaining a stoichiometric ratio of 10 or more is recommended during the operation. At a ratio of less than 10, the reactant was depleted at a high current density, and the mass transfer resistance increased. In addition, water is better distributed by gravity and buoyancy when the electrolyte membrane is parallel to the ground, and the anode flow path is above the porous medium. This leads to high PEMWE cell performance.

Investigation of the Effect of Initial Anode Structures on the Durability of Water Electrolysis Cells

Water electrolysis systems directly using renewable energy have been focused on this study. From our previous finding in the long-term accelerated voltage fluctuation test using actual wind power voltage fluctuations, increasing hydrophobicity and reducing gas stagnation within the anode catalyst layer were suggested. Then, controlling hydrophobic characters was considered in this study. Hydrophobic materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene and polypyrrole, were chosen and added to the anode layers. As expected, the addition of 30% polytetrafluoroethylene improved hydrophobicity but also increased ohmic resistance, lowering IV performance. On the other hand, the use of polypyrrole was found to improve hydrophobicity while maintaining IV performance. However, the slight increase in activation and diffusion overvoltages was also observed, which was most likely owing to poor distribution of polypyrrole in the anode layer and possibly improved by adding a milling process.

Methodological Review of Methods and Technology for Utilization of Spent Carbon Cathode in Aluminum Electrolysis

Spent carbon cathode (SCC) is one of the major hazardous solid wastes generated during the overhaul of electrolysis cells in the aluminum production process. SCC is not only rich in carbon resources but also contains soluble fluoride and cyanide, which gives it both recycling value and significant leaching toxicity. In this study, we explore the properties, emissions, and disposal strategies for SCC. Pyrometallurgy involves processes such as vacuum distillation, molten salt roasting, and high-temperature roasting. Hydrometallurgy describes various methods used to separate valuable components from leachate and prepare products. Collaborative disposal plays a positive role in treating SCC alongside other solid wastes. High-value utilization provides an approach to make full use of high-purity carbon-based materials. Finally, we analyze and summarize future prospects for the disposal of SCC. This study aims to contribute to the large-scale treatment and resource utilization of SCC while promoting circular economy principles and green development initiatives.

Investigation of the Effect of Initial Anode Structures on the Durability of Water Electrolysis Cells

Water electrolysis systems directly using renewable energy have been focused on this study. From our previous finding in the long-term accelerated voltage fluctuation test using actual wind power voltage fluctuations, increasing hydrophobicity and reducing gas stagnation within the anode catalyst layer were suggested. Then, controlling hydrophobic characters was considered in this study. Hydrophobic materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene and polypyrrole, were chosen and added to the anode layers. As expected, the addition of 30% polytetrafluoroethylene improved hydrophobicity but also increased ohmic resistance, lowering IV performance. On the other hand, the use of polypyrrole was found to improve hydrophobicity while maintaining IV performance. However, the slight increase in activation and diffusion overvoltages was also observed, which was most likely owing to poor distribution of polypyrrole in the anode layer and possibly improved by adding a milling process.

Investigation of the Durability of a Water Electrolysis Cell with Iridium Fiber Anode Against Voltage Fluctuations Simulating Wind Power

Durability of a water electrolysis cell against the voltage fluctuations is focused on in this study. An accelerated potential fluctuation test was performed for a newly developed MEA with Iridium fiber anode in our lab. In the first 40 sets of the test, no positive effect of the fiber structure was seen, and rather the fast current loss related to gas stagnation was observed. That was assumed to be owing to the coverage on inter-fiber pores by extra Nafion® ionomer. However, in the latter 40 sets, the expansion of the anode layer was confirmed by SEM images, and the rate of gas stagnation was decreased. Furthermore, the recovery of I-V performance after the rest period was sufficiently good, and almost no irreversible degradation was considered. Therefore, the Iridium fiber anode most likely has high durability against the increased internal pressure in the anode layer derived by stagnated gases.

Boosting the electrocatalytic performance of CuCo2S4 via surface-state engineering for ampere current water electrolysis applications

For the efficient production of green H2 on an industrial scale, developing durable, cost-effective electrocatalysts using earth-abundant transition-metals is crucial. Herein, we report a robust, bifunctional sulfurized CuCo2O4 (CCS/Ov) catalyst with engineered oxygen-vacancies, in which the metal catalyst is tunes to high valence state, significantly altering the intrinsic reaction kinetics and generating better catalytic activity for efficient ion transport in various electrolytes (neutral, seawater, alkaline simulated-seawater (ASW), and KOH). The optimized dual-strategy synthesized CCS/Ov catalysts with hierarchical morphology exhibits modest overpotential of 383 and 355 mV at 1000 mA cm−2 for OER and HER, respectively, in 1 M KOH. Impressively, an electrolyzer cell (CCS/Ov||CCS/Ov) demonstrates low cell-voltage of 1.487 V (6 M KOH), with excellent robustness in an ASW (1 and 2 M) environment against corrosive chlorine. The bifunctional CCS/Ov||CCS/Ov catalyst outperforms a state-of-the-art paired Pt/C||RuO2 catalyst and maintains the lowest potential response at up to 2000 mA cm−2, while demonstrating remarkably stable simultaneous O2 and H2 generation over 10 days at various current rates. Additionally, DFT calculations confirmed that CCS/Ov catalysts demonstrate significantly enhanced HER and OER activities due to reduced H2O dissociation energy and strong intermediate binding energy, which is attributed to the anionic vacancy near Co3+. The excellent bifunctional performance of the hierarchical CCS/Ov highlights its potential as non-precious catalyst with facile fabrication approach.

Research on performance optimization of electrolytic cell: Non-parameter topology and parameter optimization

The technology of water electrolysis for hydrogen production converts renewable energy into hydrogen, enabling efficient storage and utilization of clean energy. The key to enabling the large-scale development of water electrolysis technology lies in enhancing the performance of electrolytic cells and minimizing energy consumption. The mastoid process structure obviously influences the electrolytic cell's flow and electrochemical performance. Therefore, this paper studied the sensitivity of the mastoid process structure to the optimization target, designed the shape topology and the parameter optimization structure, and further analyzed the influence of the two optimization methods on the flow and electrochemical performance of the electrolytic cell based on the multi-physics coupling model. The results show that under the same deformation area, the pressure drop of the topology and the parameter optimization structure is reduced by 17.17 % and 11.89 % compared with that of the original structure. The electrochemical properties were almost unaffected, and the change value was less than 0.1 %. Topology optimization design can achieve optimal performance within limited deformation constraints, and parameter optimization design is more conducive to industrial processing.

Polystyrene/Polyacrylonitrile/Polyindole based quasi solid electrolytes for DSSCs: Boosting both efficiency and stability

Recently, the utilization of quasi solid electrolytes has increased to overcome the stability and leakage issues caused by using liquid electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells. For this purpose, the novel different amounts of polystyrene/polyacrylonitrile/polyindole based quasi solid electrolytes were prepared and characterized via FTIR, GPC, TGA, DSC and electrochemical procedures. We aimed to develop conductive polymer-based solid electrolytes to be used in DSSCs to improve both solar cell conversion efficiency and stability. The conversion efficiency value of the solar cell using semi-solid electrolyte (PC4) boosted (9.91%) compared to the one using liquid electrolyte (9.74%). Additionally, the solar cells’ stabilities prepared with quasi solid electrolytes are two times higher than solar cells including liquid electrolytes. Therefore, in this study, the potentials of using conductive polymer-based quasi solid electrolytes in DSSCs were investigated and promising results were acquired for future applications.

Long-term evaluation of soil-based bioelectrochemical green roof systems for greywater treatment

Water scarcity has generated the need to identify new sources. Due to its low organic contaminant load, greywater reuse has emerged as a potential alternative. Moreover, the search for decentralized treatment systems in urban areas has prompted research on using green roofs for greywater treatment. However, the performance of organic matter removal is limited by the type of substrate and height of the growing media. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) improve treatment performance by providing an additional electron acceptor (the electrode). In this study, nine reactors under three different conditions, i.e., open circuit (OC), microbial fuel cell (MFC), and microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), were built to evaluate the treatment of synthetic greywater in a substrate-growing medium composed of perlite and coconut fiber and operated in batch-cycle mode for 397 days. The results suggested that using BESs enables greywater treatment and the removal of pollutants to levels that allow their reuse for irrigation. Furthermore, electrical conductivity was reduced from 732.4 ± 41.2 μS/cm2 in OC to 637.32 ± 22.73 μS/cm2 and 543.15 ± 19.69 μS/cm2 in MEC and MFC, respectively. The soluble chemical oxygen demand in the latter treatments reached 76% removal, compared to levels above the OC, which only reached approximately 67%. Microbial community analysis revealed differences, mainly in the cathodes, showing a higher development of Flavobacterium, Azospirillum, and Zoogloea in MFCs, which could explain the higher levels of organic matter removal in the other conditions, suggesting that the BES could produce an enrichment of beneficial bacterial groups for treatment. Therefore, implementing BESs in green roofs enables sustainable long-term greywater treatment.

Reducing CO[formula omitted] emissions, energy consumption, and decarbonization costs in manganese production by integrating fuel-assisted solid oxide electrolysis cells in two-stage oxide reduction

Manganese is one of the most consumed metals due to its use in iron and steel making, which generates between 7%–9% of all CO2 emissions produced globally per annum. For the first time, this work explores the potential of a novel process concept to reduce CO2 emissions, energy consumption, and decarbonization costs in manganese production, which involves integrating fuel-assisted solid oxide electrolysis cells (FASOECs) in a two-stage scheme for the reduction of raw manganese ores. In this scheme, higher oxides that are present in raw manganese ores (MnO2, Mn2O3, Mn3O4) are pre-reduced using CO, yielding manganese monoxide (MnO) that is further reduced to Mn in a submerged arc furnace (SAF) using coke and electricity. In the proposed FASOEC integration concept, off-gas from the manganese ores after pre-reduction (a mixture of H2, CO, and CO2) is supplied to the FASOECs’ anode as fuel, in order to produce high-purity H2 in the cathode that is directed to the first stage of manganese reduction. H2 has enhanced reaction kinetics for reducing higher manganese oxides in comparison to CO; therefore, integrating FASOECs can improve manganese oxide conversion rates during pre-reduction, resulting in lower consumption rates of coke and energy in the SAF. The off-gas supplied to the FASOECs’ anode also lowers the amount of energy required for H2 production in the cathode (can also generate electricity, simultaneously) and produces anode exhaust gas containing only CO2 and steam. Since steam can be easily condensed from this stream, the integration of FASOECs also enables efficient decarbonization of the manganese production process, thus eliminating the need for a designated CO2 capture system. The techno-economic analysis performed herein demonstrates that directing the full supply of off-gas produced by the SAF to the FASOECs’ anode at 800 °C reduces the overall energy consumption of manganese production by up to 18% in comparison to conventional processes. This results in decarbonization cost reductions by as much as 3%–15% and a corresponding decarbonization price range of $4-32 per ton of manganese product for plant capacities of 50 and 200 kt, respectively.

Coordinated control algorithm of hydrogen production-battery based hybrid energy storage system for suppressing fluctuation of PV power

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation has issues of volatility and intermittency. Currently, PV plants are generally equipped with 10% rated capacity lithium-ion (Li) battery energy storage systems in China, who often fail to suppress fluctuation in the output power of PV plants effectively and meet the grid-connected standard. The hybrid energy storage system (HESS) combining with hydrogen production and Li battery system can produce hydrogen by water electrolysis during the peak period of PV power generation, effectively improving PV utilization efficiency, while smoothing PV power fluctuation and improving grid connection electricity quality. Firstly, models of the solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) and alkaline electrolysis cell (AEC) systems for hydrogen production, and Li battery energy storage system are established, and the transient response characteristics of each system are analyzed. Secondly, an adaptive wavelet packet decomposition (AWPD) method for PV power signal decomposition is proposed based on the wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) method. Thirdly, a capacity configuration method for HESS are proposed based on the APWD method. Fourthly, a coordinated control strategy for HESS is proposed with the transient response characteristics of different energy storage systems and the state of charge for Li battery system. Finally, the proposed method is validated through simulation experiments based on the actual power data of the PV plant. The results show that the developed methods can effectively utilize partial PV power generation to produce hydrogen, improve PV utilization, and the combined output power of PV plant and HESS can fulfill the grid-connected standard.

High-Temperature Mechanical–Conductive Behaviors of Proton-Conducting Ceramic Electrolytes in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (P-SOFCs) are widely studied for their lower working temperatures than oxygen-ion-conducting SOFCs (O-SOFCs). Due to the elevated preparation and operation temperatures varying from 500 °C to 1500 °C, high mechanical stresses can be developed in the electrolytes of SOFCs. The stresses will in turn impact the electrical conductivities, which is often omitted in current studies. In this work, the mechanical–conductive behaviors of Y-doped BaZrO3 (BZY) electrolytes for P-SOFCs under high temperatures are studied through molecular dynamics modeling. The Young’s moduli of BZY in fully hydrated and non-hydrated states are calculated with different Y-doping concentrations and at different temperatures. It is shown that Y doping, oxygen vacancies, and protonic point defects all lead to a decrease in the Young’s moduli of BZY at 773 K. The variations in the conductivities of BZY are then investigated by calculating the diffusion rates of protons in BZY at different triaxial, biaxial, and uniaxial strains from 673 K to 873 K. In all cases, the diffusion rate present a trend of first increasing and then decreasing from compression state to tension state. The variations in elementary affecting factors of proton diffusion, including hydroxide rotation, proton transfer, proton trapping, and proton distribution, are then analyzed in detail under different strains. It is concluded that the influences of strains on these factors collectively determine the changes in proton conductivity.

Methods for improving microbial electrolysis cell for swine wastewater treatment

Microbial electrolytic cell combined with anaerobic digestion faces challenges such as unstable clean energy supply and inefficient cathode performance. The integration of low-cost, durable electrodes with renewable energy can enhance the microbial electrolytic cell sustainability. In this study, a metal-organic framework-modified electrode and intermittent renewable energy sources were used in the microbial electrolytic cell to treat swine wastewater. Additionally, hydrothermal carbon composite metal-organic framework were tested to reduce cathode costs and improve biocompatibility. Results showed that with 18 h of daily power from a hybrid wind-solar system, the metal-organic framework-modified cathode achieved the highest cumulative methane production of 305.11 mL/g-chemical oxygen demand and the highest net energy recovery. Increased microbial activity during the power-on period enhanced methane output and energy efficiency, making this energy supply method ideal for microbial electrolytic cells. This approach ensures efficient use of renewable energy, improving the economic feasibility of microbial electrolytic cells for wastewater treatment. The metal-organic framework-modified cathode also promoted biofilm growth, with an average thickness of 37.6 μm and enhanced microbial activity, likely due to its lower resistance and rapid current response.

Numerical analysis of bubble behavior in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer flow field with serpentine channel

Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, represents a critical component in the transition to sustainable energy systems due to its clean and versatile nature. This research investigates the dynamic behavior of bubbles within the serpentine flow field of a Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) cell, aiming to enhance the understanding of two-phase flow dynamics and improve the efficiency of green hydrogen production. Utilizing the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method, a three-dimensional unsteady model was developed to simulate the flow dynamics at the anode of a PEMWE system. The study explores the transition of bubbles from bubbly flow to slug and annular flow, highlighting the significant impact of bubble formation on mass transport and overall cell performance. The results demonstrate that larger bubbles impede liquid water delivery to reaction sites and cause unstable pressure drops. The investigation also examines the influence of wall contact angles on bubble behavior, revealing that hydrophobic surfaces lead to increased gas coverage and more oxygen accumulation inside the channel, which hinders mass transport. These findings underscore the necessity for optimized flow channel designs and enhanced surface treatments to mitigate bubble coalescence and improve PEMWE performance.

Increasing bio-hydrogen production from microbial electrolysis cell using artificial gorilla troops optimization

BackgroundThe target of this paper is to improve the performance of the microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). The performance of MEC including bio-hydrogen production and energy recovery is depending on the values of three controlling parameters including buffer concentration, dilution factor, and applied voltage.ProblemTherefore, defining the optimal values of three controlling parameters is the challenge of the work.MethodologyIn this paper the artificial gorilla troops optimization has been combined with and ANFIS modelling to increase the bio-hydrogen production from MEC. At first, using measured data, a model is created to simulate the MEC in terms of three controlling parameters. Then, for first time, an artificial gorilla troops optimization (AGTO) has been used to determine the optimal values of buffer concentration, dilution factor, and applied voltage to boost simultaneously bio-hydrogen production and energy recovery of MEC. To demonstrate the superiority of integration between ANFIS modelling and AGTO, the obtained results are compared with RSM methodology, and artificial neural network integrated with particle swarm optimization.FindingsFor hydrogen yield model, the RMSE lowered from 67.5 using RSM to 5.562 using ANFIS (decreased by 91.7%) as compared to RSM. The R-square for prediction rises from 0.94 (using RSM) to 0.99 (using ANFIS) by about 5.32%. For the ANFIS model of energy recovery, the RMSE decreased from 31.7 to 2.83 utilising ANFIS, a decrease of 91%. The R-square for prediction rises from 0.95 (using RSM) to 0.986 (using ANFIS) by about 3.8%. Compared with measured data, the integration between ANFIS and AGTO succeed to increase the hydrogen yield from 576.3 mL/g-VS to 843.32 mL/g-VS. in sum, the total performance of the MEC has been increased by 34.74%, 29.9% and 24.38% respectively compared to measured data, RSM and ANN-PSO.