Cutting-edge technological advancements in biomass-derived hydrogen production

Production of hydrogen as carbon-free energy from renewable organic waste biomasses has been adopted for the long-term sustainability of a circular economy through various chemical and biological conversion processes. Conversion of waste biomasses to hydrogen provides dual benefits of low-cost energy-dense biofuel production and simultaneous waste reduction in eco-friendly valorization. Advancements in existing chemical and biological processes through light-induced photoreformation and microbial syntrophy-mediated metabolic induction in fermentation, respectively, facilitated holistic conversion of biowaste for maximum recovery of hydrogen by minimizing by-product generation. This review focuses on various thermochemical, photocatalytic reformation, and biological processes involving direct or indirect conversion of solid organic biomasses to hydrogen and their possible technological advancements to generate waste-to-value-added products. The techno-economic assessment describes the feasibility of waste biomass-derived hydrogen production over other technologies for industrial implementation.

Automated summary

Production of hydrogen from renewable organic waste biomasses through various chemical and biological conversion processes provides both low-cost biofuel production and waste reduction. Advances in light-induced photoreformation and microbial syntrophy-mediated fermentation have enabled comprehensive conversion of biowaste to hydrogen. This review focuses on thermochemical, photocatalytic, and biological processes for converting solid organic biomasses to hydrogen and their potential advancements for generating value-added products. The techno-economic assessment confirms the feasibility of biomass-derived hydrogen production for industrial implementation.