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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
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Hydrogen Production and Utilization in a Membrane Reactor
Published on: March 10, 2023
High yield hydrogen production in a single-chamber membrane-less microbial electrolysis cell
Yejie Ye1, Liyong Wang, Yingwen Chen
1National Engineering Research Centre for Biochemistry, Nanjing University of Technology, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
Summary
Higher applied voltages significantly boost hydrogen production in single-chamber microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). Optimizing operation suppresses methanogens, achieving a high hydrogen yield and purity for efficient biohydrogen generation.
Area of Science:
- Bioelectrochemistry
- Renewable Energy
- Microbial Fuel Cells
Background:
- Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are promising for biohydrogen production.
- Optimizing operational parameters is crucial for enhancing MEC performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of applied voltage on hydrogen production in a single-chamber membrane-less MEC.
- To identify strategies for suppressing methanogens and maximizing hydrogen yield.
Main Methods:
- Operated a single-chamber membrane-less MEC at varying applied voltages.
- Implemented anode aeration cycles to mitigate methanogen activity.
- Measured hydrogen production rate, current density, and gas composition.
Main Results:
- Higher applied voltages improved hydrogen production rate and current density.
- An applied voltage of 1.0 V yielded a rate of 1.02 m³/m³/day and 5.7 A/m² current density.
- Achieved 98.4% hydrogen concentration in the produced gas, with 63.4% cathodic recovery and 69.3% coulombic efficiency.
- Increased substrate concentration did not improve performance but extended reaction times.
Conclusions:
- Applied voltage is a critical factor for enhancing hydrogen production in MECs.
- Anode aeration cycles effectively suppress methanogens, leading to higher hydrogen purity.
- Further optimization of reactor configuration and operation is needed to maximize efficiency.
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