Production of hydrogen by the electrochemical reforming of glycerol–water solutions in a PEM electrolysis cell

An alternative method for producing hydrogen from renewable resources is proposed. Electrochemical reforming of glycerol solution in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis cell is reported. The anode catalyst was composed of Pt on Ru–Ir oxide with a catalyst loading of 3 mg cm−2 on Nafion. Part of the energy carried by the produced hydrogen is supplied by the glycerol (82%) and the remaining part of the energy originates from the electrical energy (18%) with an energy efficiency of conversion of glycerol to hydrogen of around 44%. The electrical energy consumption of this process is 1.1 kW h m−3 H2. Compared to water electrolysis in the same cell, this is an electrical energy saving of 2.1 kW h N m−3 H2 (a 66% reduction). Production rates are high compared with comparable sized microbial cells but low compared with conventional PEM water electrolysis cells.