Effect of functionalized MCM41 nanoparticles on syngas fermentation

MCM41 nanoparticles with or without mercaptopropyl functional groups were added to a synthesis gas fermentation reactor to investigate their influence on syngas fermentation. Carbon monoxide was fermented using Rhodospirillum rubrum (R. rubrum), resulting in an enhanced H(2) concentration in the product gas as a result of a biologically mediated water-gas shift (WGS) reaction. The results indicated that the H2 yield was enhanced by similar to 200% when 0.6 wt% of the MCM41 nanoparticles functionalized with 5% molar ratio of mercaptopropyl group were added to the reactor. These results complement previous studies and suggest that the increased H(2) yield is due to enhanced CO-water mass transfer through the addition of the functionalized MCM41 nanoparticles. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.