Inorganic Chemistry Commons^™

An Exploration Of Basic Processes For Aqueous Electrochemical Production Of Hydrogen From Biomass Derived Molecules, Brian Fane

Doctoral Dissertations

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs) are energy conversion devices with significant potential. The factors preventing them from becoming widespread concern production and distribution of hydrogen. Developing an efficient hydrogen infrastructure with an approachable rollout plan is an essential step towards the future of fuel cells. Water electrolysis is limited by the thermodynamics of the process, which leads to high electrical consumption and significant materials challenges. Alternative methods for cleanly generating hydrogen while using a lower cell voltage are required. PEM based electrolyzers can operate with a "depolarized anode", whereby they become significantly less power hungry.

This thesis explores two techniques …