Towards an integrated system for bio-energy: hydrogen production by and use of palladium-coated waste cells for electricity generation in a fuel cell

strains MC4100 (parent) and a mutant strain derived from this (IC007) were evaluated for their ability to produce H and organic acids (OAs) via fermentation. Following growth, each strain was coated with Pd(0) via bioreduction of Pd(II). Dried, sintered Pd-biomaterials ('Bio-Pd') were tested as anodes in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell for their ability to generate electricity from H. Both strains produced hydrogen and OAs but 'palladised' cells of strain IC007 (Bio-Pd) produced ~threefold more power as compared to Bio-Pd (56 and 18 mW respectively). The power output used, for comparison, commercial Pd(0) powder and Bio-Pd made from was ~100 mW. The implications of these findings for an integrated energy generating process are discussed.