Biotechnological production of hydrogen: Design features of photobioreactors and improvement of conditions for cultivating cyanobacteria

Abstract

Over the last five decades, solar-based hydrogen (H2) production has been intensively studied. Specifically, the study of biophotolysis by cyanobacteria has received great attention to produce H2, and promising research approaches have been established. To date, numerous photobioreactors (PBRs) have been built to collect cyanobacterial biomass and generate bioenergy. Additionally, different PBR parameters were adjusted to increase the product yield. PBR development holds great potential not only for cell biomass but also for biological H2 production. This review aimed to examine the mechanisms involved in H2 production by cyanobacteria, explore the factors influencing the process, and describe five distinct PBRs known for their high H2 production. This article examines the pros and cons of the most efficient PBRs for H2 production and offers insights into strategies for (c) 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.