Clean, efficient electrolysis of formic acidvia formation of eutectic, ionic mixtures with ammonium formate

Abstract

Formic acid is a promising compound with regard to hydrogen storage and generation, as it can be formed via the hydrogenation of CO₂ and decomposed to form H₂ and CO₂. The electrochemistry of formic acid, aqueous solutions of ammonium formate, and ammonium formate/formic acid eutectic mixtures (1.0 : 1.25 mol/mol, respectively) have been investigated. The electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid was observed in the eutectic mixtures, and bulk electrolysis at platinum electrodes demonstrated electrolysis of the formic acid to form H₂ and CO₂.