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ArticleElectrosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide by Phase-Transfer Catalysis
Context & Scale
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a crucial oxidant for processes as diverse as wood pulping, fine chemical synthesis, water purification, and environmental remediation. Legacy production of peroxide relies on fossil resources and is difficult to downscale. Renewable electricity can be used to drive the electrochemical synthesis of H2O2 directly from H2O and O2, but current electrochemical methods suffer from the use of precious metals, toxic catalyst materials, and the requirement of expensive downstream separation of H2O2 from the electrolyte. We address all of these challenges by coupling electrochemistry with phase-transfer catalysis using organic quinone mediators to furnish continuous H2O2 synthesis and separation.
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These authors contributed equally
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Present address: School of Physical Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NH, UK
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