CHAPTER 18: Material Characteristics and Requirements for Photobiological Hydrogen Production Applications

A number of considerations must be examined when microalgal photobioreactors (PBRs) are designed, and choices regarding design, including materials choice, are highly dependent on the specific intended use. A PBR to be used for hydrogen production has different requirements than a PBR intended solely for algae biomass production, particularly as related to the capture of H₂ gas. The design of PBRs for H₂ production must also consider that algae exposed to environmental stress may respond differently to inhibiting effects of compounds released from materials used in the PBR, compared to algae growing under optimal conditions. An overview of perspectives regarding material choices for hydrogen PBRs is described.