Use of an intermediate solid-state electrode to enable efficient hydrogen production from dilute organic matter. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kong, Desheng; Xie, Xing; Lu, Zhiyi; Ye, Meng; Lu, Zhenda; Zhao, Jie; Criddle, Craig S.; Cui, Yi
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 39(2017:Sep.)
• Page Start: 499
• Page End: 505
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Hydrogen evolution reaction -- Energy conversion -- Microbial battery -- Catalyst -- Wastewater treatment -- Solid-state electrode; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.07.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Molecular hydrogen, a valuable clean energy fuel and industrial feedstock, is commonly produced by steam reforming of fossil fuels, a process that results in the co-generation of CO2 . Strategies that produce H2 without CO2 emissions focus on water-splitting powered by solar or wind energy. Here, we introduce a new approach in which energy derived from the oxidation of waste organic matter is used to subsidize the electrical energy consumed by electrochemical H2 generation. The primary gas product is H2, with minimal O2 contamination, avoiding the purification step required for conventional water electrolysis. The energy efficiency (i.e., energy from H2 combustion ÷ input electrical energy × 100%) ranges from 214% to 304%. We also demonstrate a sustained cycling operation with concomitant treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater. These findings open the door to recovery of H2 from other dilute reservoirs of organic matter, such as marine sediment. Graphical abstract: Highlights: A device recovering energy from dilute organics in wastewater to subsidize electrochemical H2 generation is introduced. The primary gas product is H2 with minimal O2 contamination. The energy conversion device enables concomitant treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater.