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Low‐Energy Catalytic Electrolysis for Simultaneous Hydrogen Evolution and Lignin Depolymerization
Author(s) -
Du Xu,
Liu Wei,
Zhang Zhe,
Mulyadi Arie,
Brittain Alex,
Gong Jian,
Deng Yulin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201601685
Subject(s) - electrolysis , chemistry , anode , catalysis , lignin , depolymerization , hydrogen production , electrolysis of water , inorganic chemistry , hydrogen , organic chemistry , electrolyte , electrode
Here, a new proton‐exchange‐membrane electrolysis is presented, in which lignin was used as the hydrogen source at the anode for hydrogen production. Either polyoxometalate (POM) or FeCl 3 was used as the catalyst and charge‐transfer agent at the anode. Over 90 % Faraday efficiency was achieved. In a thermal‐insulation reactor, the heat energy could be maintained at a very low level for continuous operation. Compared to the best alkaline–water electrolysis reported in literature, the electrical‐energy consumption could be 40 % lower with lignin electrolysis. At the anode, the Kraft lignin (KL) was oxidized to aromatic chemicals by POM or FeCl 3 , and reduced POM or Fe ions were regenerated during the electrolysis. Structure analysis of the residual KL indicated a reduction of the amount of hydroxyl groups and the cleavage of ether bonds. The results suggest that POM‐ or FeCl 3 ‐mediated electrolysis can significantly reduce the electrolysis energy consumption in hydrogen production and, simultaneously, depolymerize lignin to low‐molecular‐weight value‐added aromatic chemicals.