Characterization of Different Biomass for Biohydrogen Production

The aim of this project is to study the potential of biomass resource available in the
country for use in biohydrogen production. The objectives of the research project are to
characterize different biomass sources based on biomass properties. The biomass
properties being studied are moisture content, calorific value, elemental composition, ash
content, volatile matter content and fixed carbon content. In general, two main analyses
are conducted: Ultimate and Proximate analysis. The main equipments to be used are
CHNS Analyzer, Moisture Analyzer, Bomb Calorimeter and Thermal Gravimetric
Analyzer. The study consists of a series of experiments and analysis relating to the
properties of the biomass samples to look into the prospect for biohydrogen production.
Biomass means any plant-derived organic matter available on a renewable basis. Biomass
is basically organic material cultivated energy crops derived from agriculture or woodbased
operations to produce solid, liquid or gaseous fuels. Biohydrogen is the process of
producing hydrogen from biological processes or biomass. Biohydrogen production has
become an important study since it is known that fossil fuels resources in the world is
depleting at ahigh rate. The analysis would help characterize different biomass samples
for the purpose of biohydrogen production and help realize the potential of biohydrogen
production in the country.