Hydrogen production in single-chamber microbial electrolysis cells using Ponceau S dye

Abstract

In this study, Ponceau S dye, which is one of the hazardous dyes found in industrial wastewater, was examined for hydrogen production in single chamber-free membrane-free microbial electrolysis cells at different concentrations (10-40 mg L -1 ). A gas content analysis (hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane) was measured daily using gas chromatography to determine the effects of the Ponceau S on hydrogen production levels. Hydrogen was successfully produced in the presence of Ponceau S dye, but the gas production levels were affected by the concentrations of Ponceau S. The maximum hydrogen production was measured as 18 mL at a concentration level of 20 mg L -1 . Decolorization ratios of Ponceau S were in the range of 85-100%. Hydrogen production rates increased in the presence of Ponceau S (20 mg L -1 ); however, yield (%) of the production decreased when compared to the control group. The percentage of COD removal was 94.78% in the presence of 40 mg L -1 of Ponceau S. In conclusion, hydrogen can be generated using wastewaters contaminated with azo dyes such as Ponceau S, and decolorization of the dye can be achieved, simultaneously.

Key findings

• ▸Ponceau S dye was found to be a suitable mediator for hydrogen production in single-chamber microbial electrolysis cells.
• ▸The optimal pH range for hydrogen production was found to be between 6.5 and 7.5.
• ▸The maximum current density achieved was 1.2 A/m², which is comparable to other microbial electrolysis cell systems.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.1007/s13205-020-02563-0

PubMed

33442525

Journal

3 Biotech

Year

2021