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Hydrogen Production and Utilization in a Membrane Reactor
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Micro-scale H2-CO2 Dynamics in a Hydrogenotrophic Methanogenic Membrane Reactor
Emilio Garcia-Robledo1, Lars D M Ottosen2, Niels V Voigt3
1Section of Microbiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University Aarhus, Denmark.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|September 2, 2016
Summary
Adding hydrogen to biogas reactors boosts methane content. A specialized microbial community consumes this hydrogen, but requires carbon dioxide to function optimally and prevent pH increases that inhibit activity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Sustainable Energy
Background:
- Biogas production is crucial for sustainable energy. Supplying exogenous hydrogen to biogas reactors can increase methane content.
- Gas-permeable membranes offer a technology for hydrogen delivery into biogas reactors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activity and stratification of hydrogen consumption above gas-permeable membranes.
- To understand the microbial community dynamics involved in hydrogen utilization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized microsensors for real-time measurement of hydrogen and pH.
- Analyzed microbial community development in fresh manure and biogas plant slurry.
- Investigated the impact of carbon dioxide availability on hydrogen consumption.
Main Results:
- A hydrogenotrophic methanogenic community rapidly developed, consuming hydrogen within 0.5 mm of the membrane.
- Specific consumption rates reached up to 30 m³ H₂ m⁻³ day⁻¹.
- Hydrogen consumption was dependent on carbon dioxide supply and inhibited at pH 9.2 due to carbon dioxide depletion.
Conclusions:
- Careful monitoring of biogas reactors supplemented with hydrogen is essential.
- Carbon dioxide supplementation or disruption of hydrogen supply is necessary when pH approaches 9.2 to maintain optimal activity.
