New Catalyst Enables Green H₂O₂ Synthesis at Tianjin University

Researchers from Tianjin University have developed a novel catalytic material that significantly enhances the green synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), offering the potential for on-site, on-demand production. The breakthrough, recently published in Nature Communications, addresses long-standing challenges in the sustainable production of H₂O₂ and may open new avenues for applications in chemical manufacturing, healthcare, and environmental protection.

Hydrogen peroxide is a vital oxidizing and disinfecting agent, with global demand reaching 6 million tons in 2024. Currently, over 95% of industrial H₂O₂ is produced via the energy-intensive anthraquinone process, which poses environmental and safety risks. In contrast, electrochemical synthesis has emerged as a promising alternative, enabling H₂O₂ generation directly from oxygen and water under ambient conditions. However, the practical deployment of this approach has been hindered by the lack of effective catalysts capable of delivering high activity, selectivity, and stability in neutral or alkaline environments.

Led by Professor Liang Ji from the School of Materials Science and Engineering, the research team developed a nickel-based metal-organic framework (Ni-BTA) featuring a unique layered structure. The catalyst introduces a novel interlayer hydrogen-bonding design, where amino groups from adjacent layers interact with nickel active centers to form "interlayer hydrogen bonds." These interactions act as a "molecular key," optimizing the catalytic pathway to closely approach theoretical performance limits while simultaneously suppressing undesirable side reactions.

Unlike conventional strategies that focus on modulating the electronic structure of metal centers, this work pioneers a "non-coordination structural modulation" approach. By engineering the molecular stacking and leveraging non-covalent forces such as hydrogen bonding, the team achieved precise control over the catalytic behavior, setting a new paradigm for the design of next-generation electrocatalysts. This strategy holds potential for extension to a broad range of chemical transformations beyond H₂O₂ synthesis.

Performance tests demonstrated that the Ni-BTA catalyst significantly outperforms existing materials in both neutral and alkaline environments. In artificial seawater, the catalyst enabled rapid accumulation of H₂O₂ to a concentration of 1%, while in alkaline solution, levels reached 3% - both meeting practical thresholds for sterilization and pollutant degradation. Remarkably, when applied in physiological saline, the system achieved 100% inactivation of Escherichia coli within 30 minutes, alongside efficient degradation of toxic organic dyes.

This innovation not only addresses the limitations of traditional H₂O₂ production methods but also exhibits robust adaptability across diverse water chemistries. It offers promising applications in wastewater treatment, medical disinfection, and beyond. The team is now focused on optimizing fabrication processes and scaling up production, aiming to bring the technology from lab to industry and contribute to the advancement of green chemical manufacturing.

By: Qin Mian