One-compartment electrochemical H 2 generator from borohydride

Abstract

A one-compartment membrane-less electrochemical H 2 generator from borohydride was realized using a Rh porphyrin and RuO 2 as the anode and cathode, respectively. H 2 generation from this cell was successfully controlled electrochemically by varying the potential applied. The regulation of H 2 generation was based on the selectivity of the anode and cathode. We found that RuO 2 exhibits H 2O electro-reduction activity without electro-oxidation or chemical decomposition of borohydride, and used the catalyst as a selective cathode in the electrochemical H 2 generator. Anode and cathode potentials of the electrochemical H 2 generator were measured separately. The both potentials were discussed in terms of the catalytic activities of a Rh porphyrin and RuO 2.