Effect of surfactants on electrochemical hydrogen production

Nowadays, the demand for energy is growing and the raw materials for the fossil fuel economy are diminishing (1). Hydrogen is being extensively investigated as an alternative to fossil fuels. Water electrolysis is a simple and large-scale industrial method for production of hydrogen (2). Platinum (Pt) is an ideal catalyst for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as cathode. However, one thing that could be problematic is that the bubbles caused by hydrogenproduction remain at the surface of Pt, which reduces the cell current efficiency. In order to get rid of these bubbles it is necessary to make some changes either in cell design orthe materials used in the electrolyte composition. With this in mind, the materials which reduce the surface tension, surfactants have been used in this study for the first time and good results were achieved. In this regard, the capability of three types of surfactants – anionic (SDS), cationic (CTAB), and nonionic (TritonX-100) at the various concentrations as well as in both acidic and basic medium at various temperatures have been investigated. Among the employed surfactants, the best results were obtained by the use of anionic one in the acidic medium.

Keywords:

Electrolysis , Surfactant , Hydrogen production , Platinum