Photobiological hydrogen production: Bioenergetics and challenges for its practical application

Publication date: December 2013 Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology C: Photochemistry Reviews, Volume 17 Author(s): Hidehiro Sakurai , Hajime Masukawa , Masaharu Kitashima , Kazuhito Inoue Photobiological production of hydrogen is considered to be one of the most promising technologies for replacing or complementing fossil fuel-derived energy. This review focuses on the bioenergetics of photobiological hydrogen production by various phototrophs, namely purple non-sulfur bacteria, green sulfur bacteria, cyanobacteria, and green algae. We discuss the improvements in hydrogen production efficiency and the advances in related technologies that are needed before phototrophs can be used for economically-viable hydrogen production. We also discuss some technological aspects such as the cost of nutrients and bioreactors, which should be taken into consideration in designing future plans for the application of photobiological hydrogen production.

Source: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology C: Photochemistry Reviews - November 4, 2014 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research