High-quality hydrogen peroxide production through electrochemical reduction of anthraquinone in ambient environment.

Abstract

At present, the traditional anthraquinone method is the main method for producing high-quality and high-concentration H₂O₂, but it involves the use of H₂, resulting in high carbon emissions and certain risks. The double-electron oxygen reduction reaction has become a more environmentally friendly alternative method for producing H₂O₂. However, at high overpotentials, the production and conversion rates of H₂O₂ are still limited. Here, we report an electrochemical method that can convert H₂O and formaldehyde into high-concentration H₂O₂ and high-value formate salts with high product purity under environmental conditions. At a current density of 30 milliamperes per square centimeter, continuous operation for 5 hours can produce 6.522% (m/v) H₂O₂, and the product does not contain acid, alkali, or excessive impurities. Faraday efficiency reaches 83%. The chronopotentiometry method shows stable current performance of the electrode after 360 hours of operation. This low-carbon, safe, and sustainable approach provides a promising alternative to traditional H₂O₂ production.