26 January 2024 | Arthur G. Fink, Roxanna S. Delima, Alexandra R. Rousseau, Camden Hunt, Natalie E. LeSage, Aoxue Huang, Monika Stolar & Curtis P. Berlinguette
This study presents an efficient method for the indirect electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) without the need for hydrogen gas. The process utilizes a membrane reactor to electrochemically hydrogenate anthraquinone (AQ) using renewable electricity and water, bypassing the carbon-intensive production of H₂ gas. The membrane reactor enables the separation of the electrochemical compartment (containing an aqueous electrolyte) and the hydrogenation compartment (containing AQ dissolved in organic solvents). Protons produced from water oxidation at a Pt anode are reduced to monoatomic hydrogen atoms at the surface of a Pd foil, which acts as a cathode, hydrogen-permeable membrane, and catalyst for hydrogenation. These hydrogen atoms then permeate through the Pd foil to react with AQ in the hydrogenation compartment, producing AQ-H₂. The AQ-H₂ is then oxidized with oxygen gas to form H₂O₂. The study demonstrates a high current efficiency (70%) and current density (100 mA cm⁻²) for the hydrogenation of AQ, achieving a hydrogenation rate of 1.32 ± 0.14 mmol h⁻¹ per cm² of electrode surface. The process is scalable and offers a carbon-neutral pathway for H₂O₂ production, using renewable energy and water instead of H₂ gas. The study also highlights the potential for continuous H₂O₂ synthesis over 48 hours, demonstrating the stability and efficiency of the membrane reactor system. The results show that the membrane reactor can significantly improve hydrogenation rates and current densities compared to previous methods, making it a promising technology for industrial H₂O₂ production.This study presents an efficient method for the indirect electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) without the need for hydrogen gas. The process utilizes a membrane reactor to electrochemically hydrogenate anthraquinone (AQ) using renewable electricity and water, bypassing the carbon-intensive production of H₂ gas. The membrane reactor enables the separation of the electrochemical compartment (containing an aqueous electrolyte) and the hydrogenation compartment (containing AQ dissolved in organic solvents). Protons produced from water oxidation at a Pt anode are reduced to monoatomic hydrogen atoms at the surface of a Pd foil, which acts as a cathode, hydrogen-permeable membrane, and catalyst for hydrogenation. These hydrogen atoms then permeate through the Pd foil to react with AQ in the hydrogenation compartment, producing AQ-H₂. The AQ-H₂ is then oxidized with oxygen gas to form H₂O₂. The study demonstrates a high current efficiency (70%) and current density (100 mA cm⁻²) for the hydrogenation of AQ, achieving a hydrogenation rate of 1.32 ± 0.14 mmol h⁻¹ per cm² of electrode surface. The process is scalable and offers a carbon-neutral pathway for H₂O₂ production, using renewable energy and water instead of H₂ gas. The study also highlights the potential for continuous H₂O₂ synthesis over 48 hours, demonstrating the stability and efficiency of the membrane reactor system. The results show that the membrane reactor can significantly improve hydrogenation rates and current densities compared to previous methods, making it a promising technology for industrial H₂O₂ production.