Analysis and design of electrochemical interfaces for selective e-HP

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Peter Strasser
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 525028514

This project aims to contribute to the overarching goal of the entire consortium of exploring the hypothesis of the existence of a unified kinetic description and understanding of the thermal/electrochemical catalytic synthesis of H2O2 (HP) from its elements. More specifically, the project will investigate electrochemical H2O2 (e-HP) kinetics and test whether and to what extent the electrochemical kinetic formalisms - based on interfacial proton-electron transfer processes - can account for the thermal catalytic H2O2 (t-HP) formation rates, as well. Using model thin film catalysts in 3-electrode set ups, in situ X-ray analytics and gas diffusion electrode (GDE) based HP electrolyzer cell, the project will establish relations between e-HP formation kinetics and the interfacial microenvironment, such as solvent, electrolyte, geometric and electronic structure of the catalyst. Using electrochemical corrosion-type analysis techniques, thermal HP production rates will be extracted and compared to chemical measurements. Through model-based guidance and close exchange with thermal reactor studies, strategies to enhance the kinetic performance of e-HP electrolysis cells will be developed.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 5715: Bridging Concepts in Thermo- and Electro-Hydrogen Peroxide Catalysis (HyPerCat)
• International Connection: France
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Jakub Drnec