Title: Contact-electro-catalysis for Direct Synthesis of H2O2 under Ambient Conditions

Authors: Jiawei Zhao, Xiaotong Zhang, Jiajia Xu, Wei Tang, Zhong Lin Wang, Feng Ru Fan*

Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an indispensable basic reagent in various industries, such as textile bleach, chemical synthesis, and environmental protection. However, it is challenging to prepare H2O2 in a green, safe, simple and efficient way under ambient conditions. Here, we found that H2O2 could be synthesized using a catalytic pathway only by contact charging a two-phase interface at room temperature and normal pressure. Particularly, under the action of mechanical force, electron transfer occurs during physical contact between polytetrafluoroethylene particles and deionized water/O2 interfaces, inducing the generation of reactive free radicals (·OH and ·O2-), and the free radicals could react to form H2O2, yielding as high as 313 μmol L-1 h-1. In addition, the new reaction device could show long-term stable H2O2 production. This work provides a novel method for the efficient preparation of H2O2, which may also stimulate further explorations on contact-electrification-induced chemistry process.

Full-Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.202300604