Hydrogen co-production via nickel-gold electrocatalysis of water and formaldehyde
Zhixin Li, Yan Zhang, Qianqian Yang, Jindong Wu, Zhi Ren, Fengzhan Si, Jing Zhao, Jiean Chen
Abstract
Hydrogen is one of the most promising future energy sources due to its highly efficient energy storage and carbon-free features. However, the energy input required for a hydrogen production protocol is an essential factor affecting its widespread adoption. Water electrolysis for hydrogen production currently serves a vital role in the industrial field, but the high overpotential of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) dramatically impedes its practical application. The formaldehyde oxidation reaction (FOR) has emerged as a more thermodynamically favorable alternative, and the innovation of compatible electrodes may steer the direction of technological evolution. We have designed Au-Vo-NiO/CC as a catalyst that triggers the electrocatalytic oxidation of formaldehyde, efficiently producing H 2 at the ultra-low potential of 0.47 V (vs. RHE) and maintaining long-term stability. Integrated with the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), this bipolar H 2 production protocol achieves a nearly 100% Faraday efficiency (FE).