Low-voltage hydrogen production from formic acid: The role of different electrolysis parameters

This study investigates the electrolysis of formic acid for hydrogen production, focusing on the effects of various parameters and materials. In the first phase, experiments were conducted using a single-compartment electrolysis cell with Pd/Pt electrodes at 20°C. The effect of formic acid concentration, electrolytes, and electrode materials on current density was analyzed. The highest current density (5.18 mA/cm² at 1 V) was achieved with H₂SO₄ as an electrolyte. The Zn/Zn electrode pair significantly outperformed Pd/Pt, yielding four times higher current density. In the second phase, electrolysis conditions for hydrogen production at low voltage (2 V) and temperature (50°C) were optimized. Pure hydrogen was obtained at the cathode, confirming the successful hydrogen production under these conditions. Faradic efficiency reached 92% at 2 V, with a high hydrogen production rate. The use of cost-effective Zn electrode, along with mild electrolysis conditions, enhances the practicality and sustainability of the process. These findings highlight that formic acid electrolysis is a promising and efficient method for pure hydrogen production, offering an economical and sustainable alternative for hydrogen generation.