# A Self-Supported Coral-like Pt/SnO2/Nb2O5/Nb Electrode: A Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Membrane-Free Green H2 Production via Coupling Ethanol Selective Electrooxidation

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new electrocatalyst that efficiently produces green hydrogen by coupling ethanol oxidation and hydrogen evolution reactions without needing a membrane.

## Contribution

A self-supported bifunctional electrocatalyst for membrane-free green hydrogen production via ethanol oxidation and hydrogen evolution coupling.

## Key findings

- The catalyst achieves a peak current density of 8.97 mA cm–2 for ethanol oxidation with an onset potential of +130 mV.
- It enables hydrogen evolution with a low overpotential of −48 mV and 99.7% Faradaic efficiency.
- The system produces hydrogen without a membrane, reducing energy consumption and costs.

## Abstract

The production of
green hydrogen via water electrolysis
faces challenges
due to the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction at the anode. In this
study, we developed a self-supported bifunctional Pt/SnO2/Nb2O5/Nb electrocatalyst capable of coupling
the hydrogen evolution reaction to the selective ethanol oxidation
reaction (EOR) in an acidic medium. The catalyst demonstrated efficacy
for the EOR, with an E
onset of +130 mV
versus SHE results in a peak current density of 8.97 mA cm–2. The bifunctional electrocatalyst exhibited a spontaneous and rapid
increase in current for the HER, achieving an overpotential of −48
mV for a current density of 5 mA cm–2 and a Faradaic
efficiency of 99.7%. This efficient coupling of the EOR with the HER
reduces energy consumption for green hydrogen generation compared
to traditional water splitting. With hydrogen being the sole gaseous
product, the HER–EOR electrolysis system can operate effectively
without a membrane, promising a more cost-effective, sustainable,
and efficient green hydrogen production.