Effect of functionalized MCM41 nanoparticles on syngas fermentation

MCM41 nanoparticles with or without mercaptopropyl functional groups were added to a synthesis gas fermentation reactor to investigate their influence on syngas fermentation. Carbon monoxide was fermented using Rhodospirillum rubrum (R. rubrum), resulting in an enhanced H2 concentration in the product gas as a result of a biologically mediated water–gas shift (WGS) reaction. The results indicated that the H2 yield was enhanced by ∼200% when 0.6 wt% of the MCM41 nanoparticles functionalized with 5% molar ratio of mercaptopropyl group were added to the reactor. These results complement previous studies and suggest that the increased H2 yield is due to enhanced CO–water mass transfer through the addition of the functionalized MCM41 nanoparticles.