Photoelectrochemical conversion of lignin to hydrogen: Lignin as an electron donor

The effect of pH, concentration, and membrane thickness on the performance of a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell using kraft lignin as a reactant was studied at 25 °C. Kraft lignin served as an electron donor which consumed photogenerated holes on the TiO2 anode, while photogenerated electrons reduced protons to hydrogen gas at the Pt cathode. Saturated photocurrent increased linearly with UV intensity. High concentrations of kraft lignin reduced the photo-current of the cell. A high pH differential across the membrane could degrade a thin perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane. This study demonstrated the potential of kraft lignin as an electron donor.