Photo-hydrogen production by Rhodopseudomonas faecalis RLD-53 immobilized on the surface of modified activated carbon fibers

Abstract

Surface modified activated carbon fibers were developed as a solid carrier to improve photo-fermentative hydrogen production. The surface morphology and functional groups of activated carbon fibers were modified by HNO₃ oxidation followed by steam explosion, which greatly increased the immobilization capacity and allowed attachment of more photo-hydrogen producer on the surface. This allowed the photo-bioreactor to operate with a low hydraulic retention time and high organic loading rate.