Solar-Driven Reforming of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Renewable Biohydrogen: A Review

Abstract

To date, humans are looking for suitable energy sources to meet the global demand for fuels. Among many candidates, biohydrogen (bio-H2), a future fuel perspective, is expected to grow critically and receive considerable attention to replace fossil fuels. This review focuses on biohydrogen production via post-method photocatalytic reforming of ideal feedstock and abundant lignocellulosic biomass. Renewable biomass precursors are used without net greenhouse gas emissions. This idea holds great promise as a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solution. In particular, many saccharide substrates, including monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, etc., have been used as sacrificial reagents in photocatalytic reforming over the past few decades. Among the various substrates, cellulose has attracted worldwide attention since it is the most abundant polymeric biomass resource that can be obtained from many sources. Following, photo-reforming of renewable lignocellulosic biomass, which aligns with the requirements of sustainable development, is successfully proposed. The overall catalytic efficiency will be discussed regarding the biohydrogen evolution rate (mmol gcat−1 h−1). Finally, the review concluded with challenges and potential opportunities to enhance biohydrogen are also given.