Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), known as an important industrial chemical, is produced through an energy-intensive anthraquinone process that is limited to large-scale facilities. Small-scale decentralized electrochemical production of H2O2 via a two-electron reduction of oxygen offers unique opportunities for sanitization applications and purification of drinking water. The development of inexpensive, efficient and selective catalysts for this reaction remains a challenge. Herein, we examine two different porous carbon-based electrocatalysts and show that they exhibit moderate activity and high selectivity for H2O2 in alkaline conditions. By rationally designing the synthetic methods, we explore the effect of pore sizes on the electrocatalytic performance. Further testing in different electrolytes reveals a pH-dependent effect of the performance. Furthermore, by means of density functional calculations, we point out the critical role of carbon defects towards the two-electron reduction reaction and identify the types of defects with high activity. This work provides a general understanding and guidance for the future study of carbon-based electrocatalysts for H2O2 synthesis.

Fundamental understanding of defective carbon-based materials for electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide

253rd National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.