Toluene-Poisoning-Resistant High-Entropy Non-Noble Metal Anode for Direct One-Step Hydrogenation of Toluene to Methylcyclohexane

The direct one-step hydrogenation of toluene to methylcyclohexane facilitated by a proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzer driven by renewable energy has garnered considerable attention for stable hydrogen storage and safe hydrogen transportation. However, a persistent challenge lies in the crossover of toluene from the cathode to the anode chamber, which deteriorates the anode and decreases its energy efficiency and lifetime. To address this challenge, the catalyst-poisoning mechanism is systematically investigated using IrO and high-entropic non-noble-metal alloys as anodes in acidic electrolytes saturated with toluene and toluene-oxidized derivatives, such as benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, and benzoic acid. Benzoic acid plays an important role in polymer-like carbon-film formation by blocking the catalytically active sites on the anode surface. Moreover, Nb and the highly entropic state on the surface of the multi-element alloy lower the adsorbing ability of toluene and prevent polymer-like carbon film formation. This study contributes to the design of catalyst-poisoning-resistant anodes for organic hydride technology, advanced fuel cells, and batteries.