Innovative Electrochemical Strategies for Hydrogen Production: From Electricity Input to Electricity Output

Abstract

Renewable H 2 production by water electrolysis has attracted much attention due to its numerous advantages. However, the energy consumption of conventional water electrolysis is high and mainly driven by the kinetically inert anodic oxygen evolution reaction. An alternative approach is the coupling of different half-cell reactions and the use of redox mediators. In this review, we, therefore, summarize the latest findings on innovative electrochemical strategies for H 2 production. First, we address redox mediators utilized in water splitting, including soluble and insoluble species, and the corresponding cell concepts. Second, we discuss alternative anodic reactions involving organic and inorganic chemical transformations. Then, electrochemical H 2 production at both the cathode and anode, or even H 2 production together with electricity generation, is presented. Finally, the remaining challenges and prospects for the future development of this research field are highlighted.

Electrocatalytic oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural for sustainable 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid production—From mechanism to catalysts design

“…Hydrogen energy, as a sustainable energy source with high mass-energy density and zero carbon emission, is helping to solve the energy crisis. [116][117][118] Electrocatalytic water splitting is a promising and efficient technology to obtain high-purity hydrogen. 119 However, the anodic OER with slow kinetic seriously restricts the wide application.…”

Room-temperature fabrication of defective CoOxHy nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies and high porosity as efficient 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation electrocatalysts

“…2 Meanwhile, electrochemical methods, such as electro-chemical oxidation processes, provide an efficient, economical, and clean means to realize the conversion of biomass-derived platform molecules under low temperature and atmospheric pressure conditions. [2][3][4] The reactivity of the biomass-derived platform molecules can be facilely regulated by the electrode potential and transformed by the in situ generated oxidizing agents. 5,6 Therefore, the electrocatalytic method has received intensive interest as an emerging and burgeoning approach for bio-refinery.…”

“…5,6 Therefore, the electrocatalytic method has received intensive interest as an emerging and burgeoning approach for bio-refinery. 3,7,8 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is one of the representative platform furanic molecules from biomass valorization. 1 The electrocatalytic oxidation reaction of HMF (HMFOR) is a promising strategy for producing high-value fine chemicals, including 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA), 5-formyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (FFCA), and diformylfuran (DFF).…”

Exploration and Insight of Dynamic Structure Evolution for Electrocatalysts

“…The increasingly serious energy and environmental issues confronting human society have triggered a surge in demand for clean and renewable energy sources, as well as efficient energy technologies that can replace the excessive use of fossil fuels. − In response, electrochemical energy conversion technologies, such as fuel cells, metal–air batteries, and electrolytic cells, have gained immense popularity due to their high energy conversion efficiency and zero/low pollution levels. − To ensure the efficient operation of electrochemical energy conversion technology, robust electrocatalysts are essential to accelerate electron conduction and mass transfer on the electrode/electrolyte interface by adsorbing and activating reactants under an electric field. − Since the concept of catalysis was put forward, after hundreds of years of development, catalytic chemistry has greatly promoted the development of human society. With the integration of electricity as the driving force, catalysis has acquired distinctive properties. − The evolution of electrocatalysis research has progressed from early single crystal electrode research to the understanding of surface science and spectroscopy technology, to the widespread development of nanotechnology, and the preparation and application of practical electrocatalysts with exceptional properties. , These advancements offer abundant possibilities for electrocatalysis research.…”