Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study investigated hydrogen production from glycerol, a biodiesel by-product, through electro-oxidation, offering a sustainable alternative to water electrolysis. Two systems were employed: a three-electrode cell for rapid electrochemical assessment and a two-chamber electrolysis cell for enhanced production. Distinct from conventional precious-metal-based studies, this work focuses on the integration of cost-effective Zn electrodes within a continuous flow configuration, providing a scalable and economically viable pathway for glycerol valorization. The three-electrode system, using a Pt working electrode in a 0.4 M glycerol and 0.04 M sulfuric acid solution, revealing the occurrence of glycerol electro-oxidation via characteristic peaks at 0.3 V and 0.7 V. The two-chamber cell, initially membrane-less with Zn/Zn electrodes, was improved using a Nafion XL membrane, separating anode (0.4 M glycerol, 0.04 M sulfuric acid) and cathode (0.04 M sulfuric acid) chambers. Operating conditions were optimized by varying temperature and potential. Raising the temperature to 90 °C doubled current density, while the Nafion XL membrane increased it by 30%. The enhanced performance at elevated temperatures is attributed to the reduction in activation energy barriers, while the Nafion XL membrane serves a dual role by facilitating proton transport and preventing the crossover of oxidation intermediates, thus stabilizing the electrochemical environment. Long-term tests indicated performance decline due to glycerol consumption, confirmed by FTIR. A continuous feed system was implemented, boosting current density by 35%. Gas chromatography confirmed increased hydrogen production correlating with system improvements. This study effectively demonstrates enhanced hydrogen production from renewable glycerol, leveraging its high energy content and optimizing system efficiency, thus addressing sustainable hydrogen generation.