Clean hydrogen production from methanol–water solutions via power-saved electrolytic reforming process

We report the highly power-saved electrolytic hydrogen production by electrochemical reforming of methanol–water solutions. Operating conditions are optimized in terms of current efficiency, the stability of electrocatalysts and methanol loss. Energy requirements are also compared with conventional water electrolysis. It has been observed that current efficiency of methanol electrolysis increases with current density, while decreasing with cell temperature. Pt is found to be more effective electrocatalyst for methanol electrolysis in comparison with PtRu since current efficiency and overvoltage in conjunction with stability against dissolution should be taken into account. At high current density of 300 mA cm−2, methanol electrolysis can save more than 65% electrical energy necessary to produce 1 kg of hydrogen compared with water electrolysis.

► Clean hydrogen production by electrochemical reforming of methanol–water solutions.
► Pt could be the more effective electrocatalysts in comparison with PtRu.
► Methanol electrolysis can save more than 65% electrical energy.