Catalytic effect of K3Fe(CN)6 on hydrogen production from coal electro-oxidation

Ti supported anode nano-IrO2 catalyst coupling with K3Fe(CN)6 was used to electrolyze coal for hydrogen production in the HCl and H2SO4 electrolytes separately. Chloride ion exhibited positive effect on the coal electro-oxidation in comparison of the sulfate ion. The synergistic effect of K3Fe(CN)6 liquid catalyst with HCl on coal electro-oxidation shows huge current improvement in the current–voltage (I–V) curves and good current–time (I–t) stability. K3Fe(CN)6 catalytic mechanism on coal oxidation was systematically investigated from direct analysis and indirect ZnCl2 titration experiment. Hydrogen production on Pt cathode showed that the current efficiency reached 98% and gas analysis showed the cathode gas is the highly pure hydrogen.

► Ti supported anode nano-IrO2 catalyst was used to electrolyze coal for hydrogen production.
► K3Fe(CN)6 liquid catalyst has great activity in H2 evolution and electro-catalysis.
► Chloride ion exhibited positive effect on the coal electro-oxidation in comparison of the sulfate ion.
► Mechanism of K3Fe(CN)6 catalysis on coal oxidation was systematically investigated from direct analysis and indirect ZnCl2 titration experiment.