Hydrogenperoxide (H2O2) is currently produced at a Mton scale per year. Currently H2O2 is produced using the anthraquinone process using Pd or Raney nickel catalysts. This is an energy intensive process with a high global warming potential (534 kg CO2 / ton H2O2). Recently one of the project partners developed a new electrochemical process consisting of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and a new solid electrolyte. Although this process is promising with respect to H2O2 production rates a number of improvements on the electocatalyst, the membrane and the MEA are needed to obtain a stable high productive performance. Fundamental insights in the properties of the catalyst and membrane and techniques to effectively make the MEA are needed to achieve this Therefore three work packages are defined:
1: electrocatalyst i.e. understand the role of catalyst properties for Ni, Co and Au catalyst supported on carbon on performance of electrodes made out of them for oxygen reduction to H2O2. Based on the understanding improved electrodes and MEA will be made and reaction conditions varied to arrive at the optimal electrode and reaction conditions.
2: membrane i.e., the fabrication of a novel highly stable AEX membranes based on polyelectrolyte complexes which are stable under the reaction conditions applied i.e. under basic and oxidizing conditions. These membranes need to be optimized for permselectivity, resistance and water transport. Finally these membranes need to be incorporated in the MEA.
3: system development and integration i.e., integrating various elements thereby intensifying the electrochemical production process, while ensuring efficient and stable production of hydrogen peroxide. The major sub-objectives are: a) optimization of the solid polymer electrolyte filled centre compartment Integration of electrode with adjacent ion exchange membrane to membrane electrode assemblies; b) Modelling of mass and energy transport of the electrochemical process and c) techno-economic evaluation.
