Indian Scientists Discover Green Method for Hydrogen Peroxide Synthesis Using Sunlight
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Synopsis
Indian researchers at the S. N. Bose National Centre have innovated a less energy-consuming and eco-friendly method for synthesizing hydrogen peroxide using sunlight, a vital chemical for disinfection and paper bleaching.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative synthesis method for H2O2
- Utilizes sunlight, reducing energy consumption
- Hydrazone-linked COFs enhance photocatalytic performance
- Significant production of H2O2 without harmful by-products
- Potential for laboratory-to-industry technology transfer
New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) A team of researchers from the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in Kolkata, which operates under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has developed an innovative, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly technique for synthesizing hydrogen peroxide. This chemical is essential in various industries, particularly for disinfection and paper bleaching.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) serves as a multifaceted oxidizing agent, commonly utilized for environmental disinfection, chemical synthesis, paper bleaching, and in fuel cells.
The researchers engineered a range of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with high water affinity by meticulously adjusting the density of hydrazone linkages and evaluated their influence on photocatalytic H2O2 production. COFs are an emerging category of porous and structured polymers that can be modified to have catalytic sites and light-harvesting capabilities in the visible spectrum, making them promising photocatalysts.
The current demand for H2O2 is largely fueled by heightened awareness regarding disinfection, an increase in surgical procedures, and a rise in hospital-acquired infections. Presently, over 95% of H2O2 is produced through the anthraquinone oxidation process, which is highly energy-intensive, costly, and generates numerous hazardous by-products.
Consequently, scientists have been searching for a sustainable and economical method to generate H2O2 from renewable resources while minimizing environmental repercussions.
The study demonstrated that the hydrazone-linked COFs offer abundant docking sites for both water and oxygen, thus facilitating the water oxidation reaction (WOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)—the two primary pathways for photocatalytic H2O2 generation.
As a result, the hydrazone-linked COF showcased remarkable photocatalytic H2O2 production without the need for external sacrificial electron donors when exposed to a 40 W blue LED.
Notably, “a substantial amount of H2O2 was also generated under sunlight, exceeding the performance of most organic photocatalysts under similar circumstances, thus highlighting a clean and sustainable approach,” stated the research team.
The researchers indicated that the synthesized hydrazone-linked COFs could yield considerable amounts of H2O2 using an aqueous benzyl alcohol solution (water: benzyl alcohol = 90:10).
This method also inhibited the degradation of H2O2. The adoption of a water-benzyl alcohol solution mix is anticipated to aid in developing a continuous flow reactor for the sustainable production of H2O2 and facilitate the transition from laboratory to industrial applications for the benefit of humanity,” the researchers concluded.
