Biohydrogen production through dark fermentation: Recent trends and advances in transition to a circular bioeconomy

A. Ahmad, R. K, S.W. Hasan, P.L. Show, F. Banat

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fossil fuel reserves have drastically decreased over the past two decades, contributing to a worldwide decline in energy sources. The volatility of energy prices and their serious ecological consequences have drawn the attention of researchers to alternative carbon-neutral renewable energy sources. Furthermore, ineffective waste management contributes to environmental contamination, harms human health, and negatively affects the global economy. Biohydrogen (Bio-H 2) derived from waste biomass via dark fermentation is a valuable green fuel to solve the issues of clean energy production and waste management. Bio-H 2 has several advantages over other biofuels, including carbon-neutral production, ease of generation, low carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions, and high energy efficiency. Besides, by using biowaste to produce bio-H 2, global warming and CO 2 emissions associated with biowaste incineration can be reduced. Although dark fermentation produces the most efficient and clean bio-H 2, the yield and rate of production of the process are very low. This review article summarizes the recent developments in dark fermentation processes to enhance bio-H 2 yield and productivity, including pre-treatment, additives inclusion, and integrated solutions. Additionally, this article highlights the metabolic pathways of Bio-H 2 production and inhibitory substances that negatively affect dark fermentation. Challenges related to bio-H 2 technology transfer from lab to industry are discussed, and prospects for future research to realize the technology transfer are briefed. Further, an integrated carbon-neutral approach by dark fermentation-assisted bio-H 2 production is also discussed as a contribution to circular bioeconomy.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)335-357
Number of pages23
JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Volume52
DOIs
StatePublished - 2 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Biohydrogen
  • Circular bioeconomy
  • Dark fermentation
  • Sustainability

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