The product gas evolved from hydrogen and methane fermentation might be utilized to fuel cells which have higher energy conversion efficiency than those of gas turbine and gas engine. Methane from methane fermentation has to be converted to hydrogen for fuel cells.

CH4 + 2H2O -► CO2 + 4H2 AG0’ = 253 kJ (5.4.8)

Since Eq. 5.4.8 is an endothermic reaction, supply of energy is needed to proceed the reaction. Generally, methane gas is converted to hydrogen gas under nickel catalysts at 650-750°C. On the other hand, in hydrogen fermentation, energy yield is higher than that of methane fermentation and the catalytic conversion of methane is not needed to provide hydrogen gas to fuel cells.

Further information

Noike, T.; Mizuno, O., Hydrogen fermentation of organic municipal wastes, Water Sci. Technol., 42, 155-162(2000)

Rachman, M. A.; Nakashimada, Y.; Kakizono, T.; Nishio, N., Hydrogen production with high yield and high evolution rate in a packed-bed reactor, Appl Microbiol. Biotechnol, 49, 450-454(1998)

Tanisho, S.; Tu, H.-R; Wakao, N. Fermentative hydrogen evolution from various substrates by Enterobacter aerogenes, Hakkokogaku, 67, 29-34(1989)

Taguchi, F.; Yamada, K.; Hasegawa, K.; Taki-Saito, K.; Hara, K. Continuous hydrogen production by Clostridium sp. No.2. from cellulose hydrolysate in an aqueous two-phase system, J Ferment. Bioeng, 82, 80-83(1996)

Ueno, Y.; Otsuka, S.; Morimoto, M.; Hydrogen production from industrial waste-water by anaerobic microflora in chemostat culture, J Ferment. Bioeng., 82, 194-197(1996)