Hydrogen production from biomass using dark fermentation

Abstract Hydrogen applicability in the power, chemical and petrochemical industries is constantly growing. Efficient methods of hydrogen generation from renewable sources, including waste products, are currently being developed, even though hydrogen is mainly produced through steam reforming or thermal cracking of natural gas or petroleum fractions. In paper alternative methods of hydrogen production with a particular emphasis on dark fermentation are discussed. The review compiles essential information on strains of bacteria used in the production of hydrogen from waste products in the agroindustry and from lignocellulosic biomass. The effect of such parameters as kind of raw material, method of processing, temperature, pH, substrate concentration, partial pressure of hydrogen, hydraulic retention time, method of inoculum preparation and the type and operating parameters of a reactor on the yield of dark fermentation is discussed. The review aims at presentation of current state of knowledge on the dark fermentation process utilizing waste materials as substrates. The results of investigations with emphasis on the most important issues regarding operating parameters of dark fermentation are also included.