Photobiological water splitting

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of photobiological water splitting, a crucial process for sustainable hydrogen production using biological systems. It begins with an introduction to the significance of biophotolysis in renewable energy. The chapter explores key mechanisms of hydrogen production, including direct biophotolysis, where photosynthetic organisms directly harness light energy to split water, and indirect biophotolysis, which involves intermediary compounds. It further examines photo-fermentative biohydrogen production, focusing on microorganisms that convert organic substrates into hydrogen under light. Additionally, the chapter discusses bacterial biohydrogen production, highlighting diverse bacterial species that produce hydrogen through anaerobic fermentation, and microalgae-based biohydrogen production, emphasizing the potential of microalgae due to their rapid growth and high photosynthetic efficiency. Overall, this chapter serves as a valuable resource for researchers interested in the advancements and applications of photobiological water splitting technologies for clean energy solutions. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.