Electrocatalytic hydrogen gas production on modified biochar with gold nanoparticles

This study aims to develop an efficient electrode material with high catalytic activity for the production of hydrogen from the electrolysis of the water. For this purpose, the surface of the glassy carbon electrode was coated with biochar obtained by pyrolysis of orange peel, then the obtained surface was modified with Au nanoparticles, which are known have high catalytic activity in hydrogen formation. The performance of the as-prepared electrocatalyst was tested by cyclic voltammetry, Tafel polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Moreover, its stability were evaluated by chronoamperometric measurements. As a result, a new, economical, catalytically active and long-term stabile electrode material has been developed for the hydrogen production by the electrolysis of water.