Biochar-assisted dark fermentative biohydrogen generation: Statistical approach for integrated optimization of peach pomace hydrolysis and biochar production
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY, vol.223, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 223
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.154337
- Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC
- Keywords: Peach pomace, Box-Behnken experimental design, Biochar, Acid hydrolysis, Biohydrogen fermentation
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Peach pomace (PP) was valorized into biochar (BC) and employed successfully to enhance biohydrogen production from PP hydrolysate (PPH) via dark fermentation. Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was applied to optimize BC production parameters, including temperature (300-650 degrees C), residence time (60-240 min), and heating rate (1-20 degrees C/min). The optimal BC was obtained at 650 degrees C, 88 min, and 20 degrees C/min, maximizing C--C band transmittance and exhibiting favorable structural and surface properties. PP was hydrolyzed under optimized conditions (pH 5.8, 100 degrees C, 62 min), achieving 86% sugar recovery. Batch experiments were conducted under mesophilic conditions with varying BC and substrate concentrations. The maximum biohydrogen yield of 2.86 mmol H2/mmol total sugar and a production rate of 0.26 mmolH2/h were obtained at 1 g/L BC and 10 g/L total sugar concentration. The addition of BC markedly improved biohydrogen production by 1.65-fold compared to the control, clearly demonstrating that BC plays a crucial role in improving biohydrogen.