Algae: the game-changers in biohydrogen sector.

Abstract

Biohydrogen (H₂) is an efficient form of renewable energy generated from various biological organisms. Specifically, primitive plants such as algae which are photosynthetic organisms can produce several commercial products, including biofuels due to their simple form, short life span, efficient photosynthetic capacity, and ability to grow in non-potable water sources. But these algae are often neglected and considered waste. Several studies have revealed the importance and role of algal species in generating biofuels, especially biohydrogen. Considerable research has been conducted in order to understand hydrogen production from algal sources. This review emphasizes the photolysis of water-based hydrogen production in algae apart from the metabolites fermentation process. The influence of physico-chemical factors, including oxygen scavengers, nanoparticles, and hydrogenases, was highlighted in this review to enhance H₂ production from algal species. Also, several algal species used for hydrogen production are summarized in detail. Overall, this review intends to summarize the developments in hydrogen production from algal species keeping in view of excellent prospects. This knowledge certainly would provide a good opportunity for the industrial production of hydrogen using algal species, which is one of the most concerned areas in the energy sector.