Improvement of hydrogen production via ethanol-type fermentation in an anaerobic down-flow structured bed reactor

Author(s)

Anzola-Rojas, Melida del Pilar ^{[1, 2]} ; Zaiat, Marcelo ^[1] ; De Wever, Heleen ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Biol Proc, Ctr Res Dev & Innovat Environm Engn, Sao Carlos Sch Engn, BR-13563120 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Flemish Inst Technol Res VITO, B-2400 Mol - Belgium

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Bioresource Technology; v. 202, p. 42-49, FEB 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 16

Abstract

Although a novel anaerobic down-flow structured bed reactor has shown feasibility and stable performance for a long-term compared to other anaerobic fixed bed systems for continuous hydrogen production, the volumetric rates and yields have so far been too low. In order to improve the performance, an operation strategy was applied by organic loading rate (OLR) variation (12-96 g COD L (1) d (1)). Different volumetric hydrogen rates, and yields at the same OLR indicated that the system was mainly driven by the specific organic load (SOL). When SOL was kept between 3.8 and 6.2 g sucrose g (1) VSS d (1), the volumetric rates raised from 0.1 to 8.9 L H-2 L (1) d (1), and the yields were stable around 2.0 mol H2 mol (1) converted sucrose. Furthermore, hydrogen was produced mainly via ethanol-type fermentation, reaching a total energy conversion rate of 23.40 kJ h (1) L (1) based on both hydrogen and ethanol production. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/06150-1 - Influence of organic loading rate on the fermentative hydrogen production
• Grantee: Melida Del Pilar Anzola Rojas
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate