The Addition of Proton Relays to Hydrogen Oxidation Catalysts Allows Utilization of Water as a Base for Hydrogen Oxidation at Moderate Potentials

We have found it is possible to utilize water instead of triethylamine to deprotonate molecular hydrogen oxidation catalysts following hydrogen addition, using more positive potentials than are used with triethylamine.  Water is more environmentally-friendly than triethylamine, and can transfer protons more easily to proton exchange membranes fuel cell applications.