Hydrogen gas production from food wastes by electrohydrolysis using a statical design approach

Hydrogen gas production was investigated by electrohydrolysis of food waste due to its high organic content. Different voltages generated by DC power supply were applied to food waste in order to produce hydrogen gas. Effects of the DC voltage, reaction time and initial solid content on cumulative hydrogen gas production, hydrogen gas content in the gas phase and total organic carbon (TOC) removal were investigated by using a Box-Behnken statistical experiment design approach. The most suitable voltage/reaction time/solid content values resulting in the highest hydrogen gas content (99%), the highest cumulative hydrogen gas formation (7000 mL) and total organic carbon removal (33%) were determined as 5 V/75 h/20%. The results indicated that food wastes constitute a good source for H₂ gas production by electrohydrolysis. Hydrogen gas produced by electrohydrolysis of food waste can be directly used in fuel cells due to its high putrity.