Simultaneous production of electricity and hydrogen from methanol solution with a new electrochemical technology. (14th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fang, Xiao-Wen; Wang, Lili; Cai, Wen-Fang; Jing, Deng-Wei; Chen, Qing-Yun; Wang, Yun-Hai
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 44:Number 30(2019)
• Page Start: 15766
• Page End: 15770
• Publication Date: 2019-06-14
• Subjects: Bipolar membrane -- Electrochemical -- Fuel cell -- Hydrogen -- Methanol; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.06.151
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: It is known that the reaction from methanol to hydrogen has a positive Gibbs free energy and therefore cannot occur spontaneously. In the present work, by utilizing the chemical energy of neutralization, a new electrochemical technology was developed to produce hydrogen and electricity from methanol solution simultaneously, without needing external energy input. In our designed electrochemical cell, hydrogen can be produced on cathode while methanol can be oxidized on anode with additional electricity production. The effect of anode surface area on hydrogen production rate and power output was also investigated. With anode apparent surface area of 6.15 cm 2, initial hydrogen production rate can reach up to 1.07 m 3 H2 m −3 d −1 and the maximum power density output of 1.26 W m −2 can be achieved, at the same time. Although it is only a preliminary work, our work is supposed to provide a new approach for the on-board hydrogen production for the application of various fuel cell technologies, which is urgently needed nowadays. Highlights: A novel cell is designed for hydrogen and electricity production from methanol. The maximum power density output can reach 1.26 W m −2 . Hydrogen production rate of 1.07 m 3 H2 m −3 d −1 is achieved.