Coproduction of potassium diformate and hydrogen via glycerol electrooxidation at industry‐level current density
Abstract
Abstract The economics of conventional water electrolysis is restricted by the energy‐intensive oxygen evolution. To address this, we fabricate nanoneedle‐like NiCo 2 O 4 electrocatalyst capable of achieving efficient selective glycerol electrooxidation at low potential of 1.35 V vs. RHE, facilitated by synergistic redox cycling between Ni and Co sites in electrogenerated Ni/Co(OOH) species. Stable electrolysis at 500 mA cm −2 for 240 h markedly reduces the cell voltage by 551 mV and the energy consumption by 1.59 kWh Nm −3 H 2 as compared to water splitting. Impressively, we establish an industrial‐scale integrated electrolysis system with 11 electrode pairs (10 × 10 cm 2 each), enabling high production of potassium diformate within a short period of time. Techno‐economic analysis confirms strong profitability for the coupled system, validating a feasible “green‐hydrogen‐production‐sustained‐by‐chemical‐revenue” paradigm. This work offers a high‐performance spinel‐based anode material that efficiently drives coproduction of high‐value‐added chemical and hydrogen at the industrial level.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
Catalysis for Biomass Conversion
CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts
Publication details
- Journal / source
- AIChE Journal
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 72
- Issue
- 8
- Publication date
- 16 April 2026
- Language
- EN