Can we completely suppress the oxygen evolution reaction in a glucose electrolyser? Three experimental evidences.

This study introduces an innovative method for producing environmentally friendly hydrogen using glucose-assisted electrolysis in an alkaline Ni-based membrane-less electrochemical cell. Three sets of experiments were performed: i) cyclic voltammetry with photographic visualization of bubbles at the anode on a standard three-electrode electrochemical cell; ii) chronoamperometry experiments with in-situ O 2 measurements with an optical sensor on a gas-tight electrochemical cell and iii) gas-flow measurements in a membrane-less electrolyser. Results demonstrate that at glucose concentrations exceeding 100 mM, the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) in a 1.0 M NaOH electrolyte can be entirely replaced by glucose oxidation on the Ni-based anode. Furthermore, experiments with the membrane-less electrolyser also serve as a proof-of-concept for the feasibility of removing the membrane in alkaline organic-assisted electrolysis processes. This breakthrough simplifies electrolyser design, reduces costs, and allows to use biomass-derived glucose as a renewable feedstock, advancing in the H 2 production technology. [Display omitted] • Under presence of glucose, no O 2 is produced in the OER region (1.7 V vs. RHE). • Under certain conditions, OER is completely replaced by the glucose oxidation. • Hydrogen is the unique gas produced during glucose-assisted electrolysis. • A membrane-less electrolyser can be used for glucose-assisted electrolysis. • A novel concept for simplifying electrolyser configuration is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]