FAD-mediated modulation of hydrogen adsorbates for low-voltage hydrogen production and hydrocarbon hydrogenation

Abstract

This study explored the multifaceted role of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in modulating proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) processes for electrocatalysis. FAD demonstrated catalyst-dependent functionality, enhancing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on Pd and facilitating formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) on Pt through selective modulation of hydrogen coverage. FAD scavenged H* on Pt, promoting FAOR, while boosting H+ adsorption on Pd, driving HER. Additionally, FAD-modified Pd membranes enabled efficient hydrogen spillover, achieving toluene hydrogenation into methylcyclohexane (MCH as a liquid organic hydrogen carrier) under mild conditions. These findings emphasized FAD's versatility as a molecular PCET modulator, paving the way for improved electrocatalytic systems in hydrogen production and hydrocarbon hydrogenation.