NiFe-Prussian blue analogs catalyst for glucose electrolytic hydrogen production and biomass valorization

Abstract

Making green hydrogen from natural biomass glucose electrolysis represents a successful win-win scenario which not only achieves energy-efficient hydrogen production but also yields high-value-added chemicals. Herein, we report a NiFe-PBA catalyst synthesized by a facile co-precipitation method for glucose electrooxidation reaction (GOR). Benefiting from the unique ligand structure and the optimal electron, the Ni_1·6Fe-PBA achieves a current density of 50 mA cm⁻² at a potential of only 1.42 V versus Reversible Hydrogen Electrode (RHE), and it maintains potential stability for 50 h. Through an intermittent multipotential-step method it was known that NiOOH is the active site of GOR. Based on the superior GOR activity of this catalyst, we constructed a two-electrode glucose electrolysis hydrogen making system. At a current density of 50 mA cm⁻², this system reduced the voltage of 230 mV compared to traditional water electrolysis. This improvement significantly reduces energy consumption, requiring only 43.4 kWh to produce 1 kg of H₂, saving 6.1 kWh of energy power. To our excitement, we analyzed the electrolyte after stability measurement and found the production of GRA, an important platform molecule for chemical industry and medical treatment. This research provides a promising and sustainable approach for efficient hydrogen production and the value-up of biomass feed-stock.