Systems and processes for producing hydrogen using bacteria are described.
One detailed process for producing hydrogen uses a system for producing
hydrogen as described herein, the system including a reactor. Anodophilic
bacteria are disposed within the interior of the reactor and an organic
material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria
is introduced and incubated under oxidizing reactions conditions such
that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode. A power source
is activated to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode,
such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas. One
system for producing hydrogen includes a reaction chamber having a wall
defining an interior of the reactor and an exterior of the reaction
chamber. An anode is provided which is at least partially contained
within the interior of the reaction chamber and a cathode is also
provided which is at least partially contained within the interior of the
reaction chamber. The cathode is spaced apart at a distance in the range
between 0.1-100 centimeters, inclusive, from the anode. A conductive
conduit for electrons is provided which is in electrical communication
with the anode and the cathode and a power source for enhancing an
electrical potential between the anode and cathode is included which is
in electrical communication at least with the cathode. A first channel
defining a passage from the exterior of the reaction chamber to the
interior of the reaction chamber is also included.