
APPROVED Create a high-impact, publication-quality schematic illustrating a regionally tailored waste-to-green hydrogen platform based on Saudi date palm biomass integrated with bioelectrochemical systems. Left panel (Feedstock & Pretreatment): Depict abundant date palm residues (cull & immature dates, fronds, leaves, and date seeds) from arid Gulf agriculture. Show a dark fermentation (DF) reactor converting lignocellulosic biomass into H₂ and acetate-dominant volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Use molecular icons (acetate, butyrate) to emphasize purpose-designed substrate conditioning rather than standalone DF hydrogen recovery. Central panel (Circular Integration & Novelty): Highlight date seeds being valorized into conductive biochar via controlled pyrolysis. Visually link this biochar back into the system as a functional carbon material, emphasizing a fully biomass-derived loop (same feedstock → substrate + electrode material). Annotate “Enhanced conductivity, biofilm support, DIET promotion.”