Dehydrogenation of pure methanol in an alkaline solution using copper electrodes

Herein, we focused on electrolysis to produce hydrogen-based energy to reduce pollution and cost of energy generation by replacing platinum (Pt) and ruthenium (Ru) anodes with copper (Cu) anodes, while demonstrating that H₂ and CO can be obtained by dehydrogenating pure methanol in a non-compartment cell. Also this is a new study that is completely different from DMFC. Redox products of methanol and electrochemical efficiency were determined using various techniques. 1 V (vs Ag/AgCl [KCl sat’]) was applied to quantitatively evaluate H₂ generation; on average, 801.17 mmol g⁻¹ L⁻¹ h⁻¹ of H₂ was generated. The Cu electrode was electrochemically stable under the stirring at 150 rpm, indicating reduced toxicity by CO adsorption. Gas-phase CO and H₂, along with liquid-phase formate, carbonate, and paraformaldehyde, were obtained; the main product was H₂. However, details of the dehydrogenation mechanism remain unclear, and merit further investigations.