Electrochemical Valorisation of O2 to Peracetic Acid Using In-Situ Generated H2o2

University of New South Wales (UNSW) - School of Chemical Engineering; The University of New South Wales - Particles and Catalysis Research Laboratory

Abstract

Electrosynthesis of peracetic acid (PAA) using in-situ generated H2O2 is a sustainable route to bypass the complexity and hazards of current industrial production routes of PAA. However, efficient electrochemical operation requires advancements in both electrocatalytic H2O2 production and the subsequent oxidation of acetic acid. Herein, we report a bifunctional metal-free electrode to enable PAA electrosynthesis. This electrode exhibits excellent acidic H2O2 production performance, comparable to metal-based counterparts. Moreover, the same electrode activates OH· from H2O2, facilitating strong oxidation of acetic acid to PAA. In a flow electrolyser that couples H2O2 production and acetic acid oxidation, the bifunctional electrode achieved continuous production of PAA at a high rate (57 ppm cm-2 h-1) and a low voltage (-1.6 V). Our work highlights the critical role of electrode design for the decentralised synthesis of PAA, providing new insights for the electrification of the chemical industry towards a sustainable future.

Keywords: electrocatalysis, Bifunctional electrode, Peracetic acid

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Lin, Zeheng and MS, Felice and O'Connell, George E. P. and Wan, Tao and Zhang, Ding and Peng, Lingyi and Chu, Dewei and Lu, Xunyu and Han, Zhaojun, Electrochemical Valorisation of O2 to Peracetic Acid Using In-Situ Generated H2o2. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4593996 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4593996