Biomass-Depolarized Electrolysis

Abstract

In this paper, we report on our recent efforts to develop a biomass-depolarized electrolyzer for efficient production of H₂. Electrochemical oxidation of lignin-rich biorefinery waste streams can occur at lower overpotentials than those required for O₂ evolution, which leads to potentially lower-voltage electrolyzer operation that could decrease the energy requirements for electrolytic production of H₂. In addition, the anode product stream may possess economic value greater than that of O₂, which could provide an additional revenue stream for electrolytic production of H₂.