Design of new strategy for green algal photo-hydrogen production: Spectral-selective photosystem I activation and photosystem II deactivation

► A new strategy in photo-H2 production from green algae was successfully demonstrated. ► The new strategy is convenient because it only requires turning on and off PSI light. ► The PSI light (692 nm) achieved initial photo-H2 production rate of 0.055 mL H2 mg−1 Chl h−1. ► The PSI light (692 nm) achieved maximal total hydrogen production of 0.108 mL H2 mg−1 Chl. ► The new strategy shows promise of improved photo-H2 production through further optimization.