Dehydrogenation of pure methanol in an alkaline solution using copper electrodes

Abstract

Herein, we focused on electrolysis to produce hydrogen-based energy to reduce pollution and cost of energy generation by replacing platinum (Pt) and ruthenium (Ru) anodes with copper (Cu) anodes, while demonstrating that H2 and CO can be obtained by dehydrogenating pure methanol in a non-compartment cell. Also this is a new study that is completely different from DMFC. Redox products of methanol and electrochemical efficiency were determined using various techniques. 1 V (vs Ag/AgCl [KCl sat']) was applied to quantitatively evaluate H-2 generation; on average, 801.17 mmol g(-1) L-1 h(-1) of H-2 was generated. The Cu electrode was electrochemically stable under the stirring at 150 rpm, indicating reduced toxicity by CO adsorption. Gas-phase CO and H-2, along with liquid- phase formate, carbonate, and paraformaldehyde, were obtained; the main product was H-2. However, details of the dehydrogenation mechanism remain unclear, and merit further investigations. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.