Electrochemically assisted demetallisation of model metalloporphyrins and crude oil porphyrinic extracts in emulsified media, by using active permeated atomic hydrogen

► Hydrodesmetallisation reactions, under mild conditions, are assisted by electrochemically produced atomic hydrogen. ► Compared with nonemulsified medium, electrochemically assisted hydrodemetallisation is favoured in emulsified media. ► Pd foils, permeable to atomic hydrogen, are reusable in electrochemically assisted hydrodemetallisation reactions. ► Emulsified media play a promoting role. Vanadium and nickel are transferred from oil to water phases during reactions.