Visualization of Hydrogen Bubbles Using Synchrotron X-Ray CT inside Porous Transport Layer of Direct Toluene Electro-Hydrogenation Electrolyzers
Authors: Reyna Peña Fátima Isabella , Atienza-Márquez Antonio , Jang Sunpil , Shiono Ryuhei , Shigemasa Kaito , Araki Takuto , Nagasawa Kensaku , Mitsushima Shigenori 
Published: February 2024

Toluene is a highly versatile solvent commonly used in many industries due to its high energy density and effective hydrogen carrier properties. It can store a considerable amount of hydrogen in a relatively small volume, making it a promising hydrogen carrier for various applications. Toluene's high volumetric energy density also makes it one of the best hydrogen carriers available. Additionally, toluene is easy to handle and transport as it is a liquid at room temperature, and it can be stored and transported like any other liquid fuel. Furthermore, toluene is a safer alternative for hydrogen storage compared to other hydrocarbons due to its low toxicity.
Direct toluene-electro hydrogenation electrolyzer is a promising method that enables the simultaneous performance of water electrolysis and toluene hydrogenation in a single system. However, during the toluene direct electrolytic hydrogenation process, the formation of hydrogen bubbles from the electrolysis of water hinders the toluene hydrogenation reaction, leading to a reduced conversion rate of methylcyclohexane (MCH) and Faraday efficiency.
In this study, we aimed to understand the conditions for hydrogen bubble generation and transport. We quantitatively evaluated the generation amount and distribution of hydrogen bubbles by visualizing them in an operating electrochemical cell using Synchrotron X-ray CT.

Figure 1 displays the distribution of hydrogen bubbles along the porous transport layer (PTL) of the electrochemical cell. These bubbles were visualized using the raw images obtained from Spring-8 and subsequently reconstructed. The cell was operating at a current density of 200 mA/cm2 for a period of 30 minutes with pure water supplied to the anode side. Darker areas in the images indicate regions with hydrogen bubbles, which have a lower density and atomic weight than other substances in the PTL. Therefore, they are more transparent to X-rays and appear darker in the image. Higher current values and longer operation times led to increased hydrogen bubble generation, with a significant increase observed at 30 minutes. By visualizing these hydrogen bubbles, we were able to evaluate the generation distribution, amount, and transport of hydrogen, which can help improve the direct toluene-electro hydrogenation electrolyzer system.

Acknowledgement

This study was based on results obtained from the Development of Fundamental Technology for Advancement of Water Electrolysis Hydrogen Production in Advancement of Hydrogen Technologies and Utilization Project (P14021) commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

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Figure 1 SPring-8 CT Visualization Reconstructed image after 30 minutes of operation at 200 mA/cm².

Figure 1