Hydrogen production from switchgrass via an integrated pyrolysis–microbial electrolysis process

•Demonstrated conversion of switchgrass-derived bio-oil aqueous phase to hydrogen.•Enriched anode community capable of simultaneously converting inhibitory compounds.•Achieved hydrogen production rate of 4.3LH2/L-day using biomass-derived liquids.•Long-term operation with high Coulombic, conversion and overall energy efficiencies.