Biohydrogen production using green microalgae as an approach to operate a small proton exchange membrane fuel cell

In this paper, the wild-type of Chlorella sorokiniana a green microalga isolated from Algerian Sahara soil was tested for her ability to produce hydrogen coupled to a small Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). The strain was grown in heterotrophically conditions (Tris-Acetate-Phospate medium) under continuous light then it was transferred in medium without sulfur to activate the reversible hydrogenase inducing the hydrogen production process. The evolution of hydrogen and oxygen concentrations in the photobioreactor during the sulfur-deprived conditions was measured. The difference of total carbohydrates amount and cell morphology at the beginning and the end of experience was also studied. The results of the coupled system showed that the produced biohydrogen could be used to operate a PEM Fuel Cell with good performances under standard conditions.