Renewable Energy Method for Generating Hydrogen
ID# 2011-3761
Technology Summary
This invention provides a unique method of hydrogen production by integrating a very small (five membrane pairs) reverse electrodialysis (RED) stack into a microbial electrolysis cell, where oxidation of organic matter is driven by exoelectrogenic microorganisms. In this microbial reverse-electrodialysis electrolysis cell (MREC), H2 production is achieved by two driving forces including a thermodynamically favorable oxidation of organic matter by exoelectrogens on the anode, and the energy derived from the salinity gradient between seawater and river water.
Application & Market Utility
This innovation directly achieves hydrogen production in one process without an external voltage supply. This innovation can utilize any salinity gradient to generate H2 from a renewable energy source including domestic and industrial wastewaters, seawater, and river water.
Next Steps
Patent 9,112,217 issued 8/18/2015. Seeking licensing opportunities.