Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Characterizing Electron Transport through Living Biofilms
Published on: June 1, 2018
A bio-inspired, small molecule electron-coupled-proton buffer for decoupling the half-reactions of electrolytic water
Benjamin Rausch1, Mark D Symes, Leroy Cronin
1WestCHEM, School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow , University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
Abstract:
Electron-coupled-proton buffers (ECPBs) allow H2 and O2 evolution to be separated from each other in time during the electrolysis of water. Natural photosynthetic systems achieve an analogous feat during water splitting and employ a range of intermediate redox mediators such as quinone derivatives to aid this process. Drawing on this natural example, we show that a low molecular weight quinone derivative is capable of decoupling H2 evolution from O2 evolution at scale during electrochemical water splitting. This work could significantly lower the cost of ECPBs, paving the way for their more widespread adoption in water splitting.
More Related Videos
10:23Characterizing Mediated Extracellular Electron Transfer in Lactic Acid Bacteria with a Three-Electrode, Two-Chamber Bioelectrochemical System
Published on: August 23, 2024
10:15Solar-Driven Electrochemical Green Fuel Production from CO2 and Water Using Ti3C2Tx MXene-Supported CuZn and NiCo Catalysts
Published on: November 7, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Buffers
Buffers: Overview
Buffer Effectiveness
The buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base that can be added to a given volume...
Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer
Electrolysis
Water: A Bronsted-Lowry Acid and Base