Integrating H2 generation with sewage disposal by an efficient anti-poisoning bifunctional electrocatalyst

Abstract Replacing the bootless and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction with the oxidation of some more readily oxidized chemical products is a feasible strategy for energy-saving H2 generation. However, its broad application is inhibited by the costly raw materials, noble-metal catalysts and the toxic effect of organic molecules on catalysts. Herein, we report a novel anti-poisoning MP-MOx (M = Ni, Fe and Mo) bifunctional catalyst that can combine the energy-saving H2 production with sewage disposal simultaneously by directly electrolyzing the wastewater containing organic molecules. The MP-MOx catalyst expresses a commendable electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction and electrooxidation decomposition of small organic molecules (EDM), as well as a remarkable anti-toxicity for organic molecules and a long-term durability. As compared with traditional water electrolysis, the organic electrolytic system exhibits an excellent cell efficient with a cell voltage reducing of 120 mV and can dramatically allow electrical energy savings up to 8% at 10 mA cm−2.