Experimental investigation for novel electrode materials of coal-assisted electrochemical in-situ hydrogen generation: Parametric studies using single-chamber cell.

In this study, the functional group contents of coals of different geological ages to be used in hydrogen production by electrolysis were examined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis, and parametric studies were carried out with the coal type with the highest functional group content. In the parametric studies, the effect of Fe2+ ions with known catalytic activity in coal electrolysis, the effects of electrode activation, different electrode materials, temperature, coal concentration and distance between electrodes on current density were investigated. Also, long-term performance test was carried out. It was found that, the highest current density values were observed in the presence of Fe2+ ions, at the activated Zn/Zn electrode material and at the nearest electrode distance. In addition to these results, it was determined that instead of high temperatures, high current density values can be obtained at relatively low temperatures such as 50°C and lower coal concentrations. • CAWE was investigated with high functional group content coal at low calorific value. • CAWE process was carried out at lower potential and at lower temperature. • Highest current density was seen with Zn electrode pair, cheaper than Pt electrode. • High current density could be achieved by using relatively little coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]