Alcohols Enrichment Enables Their Electrooxidation Coupled with H2 Production at High Current Density

Abstract

Electrochemical alcohols oxidation offers a promising approach to produce industrial-relevant chemicals and facilitate coupled H 2 production. However, the corresponding current density is very low at moderate cell potential that substantially limits the overall productivity. Here, we report enrichment of alcohols in local environment over a cooperative catalyst of Au nanoparticles supported on cobalt oxyhydroxide nanosheets (Au/CoOOH), enabling alcohols electrooxidation at high current density. Specifically, the current density of benzyl alcohol electrooxidation can reach 523 mA cm− 2 at potential of 1.5 V vs. RHE. Experimental and theoretical results suggest that benzyl alcohol molecules are enriched on Au/CoOOH interface via strong d-π interaction. The enrichment has a broad substrate scope that involves alcohols with α-π bond including α-phenyl, C = C and C = O groups. Based on these findings, we design an intermittent potential (IP) strategy for long-term alcohol enrichment, achieving electrooxidation with current density of > 250 mA cm− 2 over 24 hours and promoted productivity.