Enhancing fermentation yield for biohydrogen production using eco-friendly nickel and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles

Abstract

In recent years, the sustainable metal oxide nanoparticle synthesis using various plant leaf extracts as reducing agents has gained significant attention in the field of renewable energy research. This study explores the biohydrogen yield enhancement potential of two types of nanoparticles derived from olive leaves. Synthesized nanoparticles are characterized by SEM, EDX, and FTIR spectrum analyses; these nanoparticles exhibit mean dimensions of 385 nm and 292 nm. Fermentation experiments were conducted using varying ratios of the two types of nanoparticles ranging from 50 to 500 mg/L to determine the impact of these nanoparticles on bio-hydrogen yield. Remarkably, with the usage of 200 mg/L of nickel ferrite nanoparticles boosted biohydrogen yield by 47%, while 200 mg/L of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles increased it by 41%. These findings highlight the potential of sustainably synthesized nanoparticles, especially those from olive leaves, as catalysts for enhancing biohydrogen production in dark fermentation processes. This research offers promising insights into eco-friendly bioenergy generation.