A Novel Chemical–Electrochemical Hydrogen Production from Coal Slurry by a Two-Step Process: Oxidation of Coal by Ferric Ions and Electroreduction of Hydrogen Ions
Niyi Olukayode, Weijing Yang, Kang Xiang, Shenrong Ye, Zhigang Sun, Zhenfei Han, Sheng Sui
Abstract
at room temperature and a voltage of 1 V, which is higher than the values reported in the conventional processes. An investigation of the oxidation mechanism was carried out via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The results obtained showed that the oxidation of coal by ferric ions occurs from the surface to the inner parts of the coal particles in a stepwise manner. It was also revealed that the ferric ions in the media increased the active interfaces both of the coal particles and of the anode electrode. This explains the high hydrogen production rate obtained from this process. This novel discovery can pave the way for the commercialization of coal slurry electrolysis.