Light-activated catalyst makes sustainable production of hydrogen peroxide more efficient
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a versatile chemical feedstock whose industrial production relies predominantly on an energy-intensive process with a substantial environmental footprint. One alternative is to produce it using a catalyst activated by light. In an international research project involving the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, researchers have now developed a synthesis…
Light-activated catalyst called CALiK, developed by researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, significantly improves the efficiency of hydrogen peroxide production. This photocatalyst, made from carbon nitride, is three times more effective than traditional green production methods. Hydrogen peroxide, a green chemical, decomposes into water and oxygen, making it an environmentally friendly oxidizing agent.
Its demand is rising due to its use in wastewater treatment, household disinfection, and medical applications. However, current production relies on energy-intensive processes with a high carbon footprint. The new catalyst's efficiency stems from its precise control over the spatial arrangement of ions within the carbon nitride material.
This was achieved by using organic-inorganic ionic cocrystals, which allow for the prediction of ion distribution during thermal conversion to the final material. CALiK's superior performance is attributed to its optimized ion arrangement, which facilitates better charge separation and longer availability of charges for reaction with oxygen.
This innovative approach to catalyst synthesis could pave the way for more efficient and sustainable hydrogen peroxide production.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
