High Efficient Biomass-to-Hydrogen Conversion By Polyoxometalate Solution Catalyzed Electrolysis

Hereby we present a novel method for electrolysis that can directly convert natural polymeric biomasses, such as starch, cellulose, lignin, and even switchgrass and wood powders to hydrogen. Polyoxomatelate (POM) was used as phot- or thermal- catalyst. POM first form a charge transfer complex with the biomass by absorbing light or heat. The charge transfer complex was then release electrons on the carbon anode under very low electric field, and simultaneously release H⁺. As a result, the H⁺ diffuse to cathode and was reduced to hydrogen. Comparing to the reported electrolysis of biomass for hydrogen production, our method could save significant electric energy.