Lab-scale bioreactor integrated with active membrane system for hydrogen production: experience and prospects

The development of new, low-energy consuming and clean technologies can include the utilization of organic wastes with the production of high-quality fuel gases (methane, hydrogen). This paper presents the results of organic wastes’ bioconversion into hydrogen and of the respective H2/CO2 gas mixtures’ separation by using active membrane systems (membrane contactors) with moving liquid carriers. Rhodobacter capsulatus was used for lactate or low organic decomposition to H2-containing gas mixture and Thermohydrogenium kirishi was used for hydrogen production from glucose. Active membrane system was used for the separation of H2/CO2 gas mixtures with the production of high-purity hydrogen. The possibility of integration of gas separating membrane systems with aerobic or anaerobic bioreactors are considered as well.