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Abstract
A new approach to hydrogen production using an integrated pyrolysis-microbial electrolysis
process is described. The aqueous stream generated during pyrolysis of switchgrass
was used as a substrate for hydrogen production in a microbial electrolysis cell,
achieving a maximum hydrogen production rate of 4.3 L H2/L anode-day at a loading
of 10 g COD/L-anode-day. Hydrogen yields ranged from 50±3.2% to 76±0.5% while anode
Coulombic efficiency ranged from 54±6.5% to 96±0.21%, respectively. Significant conversion
of furfural, organic acids and phenolic molecules was observed under both batch and
continuous conditions. The electrical and overall energy efficiency ranged from 149-175%
and 48-63%, respectively. The results demonstrate the potential of the pyrolysis-microbial
electrolysis process as a sustainable and efficient route for production of renewable
hydrogen with significant implications for hydrocarbon production from biomass.