Catalytic membrane electrode with Co3O4 nanoarrays for simultaneous recovery of water and generation of hydrogen from wastewater

Tremendous research efforts have been devoted to new methods of water decontamination and splitting at low cost less energy consumption. Herein, we developed a robust electrochemical strategy with an efficient membrane electrode remove refractory organic pollutants simultaneously produce pure hydrogen in wastewater. Firstly, the anode was constructed three-dimensional (3D) nanoneedle array Co3O4 Ti membrane, exhibiting superior degradation phenol dye Na2SO4 as electrolyte conventional electrocatalytic reactor (ECMR). For degradation, ≥99% removal efficiency phenol, 99.5% chemical oxygen demand (COD) rate, 92.5% total carbon (TOC) 88.7% current 0.061 kW h (g COD)−1 consumption can be obtained. decolor 95.2% COD 87.6% TOC 82.1% 0.12 achieved. The obtained provide more active CoOOH sites, dramatically increase electric fields overcome mass transfer limitation flow-through configuration, thereby significantly enhance catalytic performance. Finally, designed H-type ECMR proton exchange (PEM) separator for H2 production, i.e., PEM-ECMR, demonstrating performance dye, stable production high-purity (11–15 mL h−1), excellent long-term stability (100 days) voltage input (below 3.0 V). This work demonstrates promising pathway towards reducing simultaneous production.