electrosynthesis of quinone-based redox-active molecules coupling with high-purity hydrogen production.

Clean hydrogen production conventional water splitting involves sluggish anodic oxygen evolution, which can be replaced with more valuable electrosynthesis reactions. Here, we propose one novel strategy for coupling organic electrosynthesis with high-purity hydrogen production. A benzoquinone-derivative disodium 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonate (Tiron)-o1 and a naphthoquinone-derivative 2,6,8-trismethylaminemethylene-3,5-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (TANQ) were electrosynthesized and directly used in a flow battery without any further purification treatment. Constant, simultaneous production of TANQ and hydrogen was demonstrated for 61 hours, while stable charge-discharge capacities were retained for 1000 cycles. The work provided a new avenue for achieving redox-active molecule synthesis and high-purity hydrogen.