A parallel-plate electrochemical microreactor for the continuous production of hydrogen peroxide

Apostolova, Desislava (avtor), Bardarov, Ivo (avtor), Tjell, Anders Ø. (avtor), Gričar, Ema (avtor), Starin, Mark (avtor), Farinazzo Bergamo Dias Martins, Pedro (avtor), Nosan, Miha (avtor), Mayr, T. (avtor), Strmčnik, Dušan (avtor), Plazl, Igor (avtor), Genorio, Boštjan (avtor)

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of a microfluidic electrochemical system for the controlled generation and detection of hydrogen peroxide (H$_2$O$_2$). The integrated microreactor with a three-electrode configuration in combination with optical sensors enabled real-time monitoring of dissolved oxygen and H$_2$O$_2$ concentrations during chronoamperometric operation. Glassy carbon (GC) electrodes exhibited high selectivity toward the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e$^−$ ORR), a key requirement for efficient H$_2$O$_2$ electrosynthesis. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) analyses and electrochemical testing in real system identified 0.4 V vs. RHE as the optimal working potential. Flow rate experiments revealed a decline in H$_2$O$_2$ production with increasing flow rates, consistent with electrical charge measurements and oxygen consumption data. A mathematical model, validated with experimental data, reliably predicted H$_2$O$_2$ outlet concentration as a function of flow rate (residence time). The model captured the interplay between mass transport and surface electrocatalytic reactions and enabled the identification of an optimal operating window (25–50 μL min$^{−1}$), supporting model-based reaction optimization. Post-experiment surface characterization using SEM-EDS, XPS, and μ-FTIR revealed increased oxygen-containing functional groups on the GC working electrode, indicating surface oxidation that may enhance catalytic performance. Overall, this system offers a scalable, sustainable platform for on-demand H$_2$O$_2$ production, supporting cleaner, decentralized electrochemical synthesis with reduced environmental impact and greater adaptability for modern industrial applications.

• Jezik: Angleški jezik
• Ključne besede: electrosynthesis, hydrogen peroxide, two-electron oxygen reduction reaction, carbon electrocatalysts, electrochemical microreactor, continuous flow microreactor
• Vrsta gradiva: Članek v reviji
• Tipologija: 1.01 - Izvirni znanstveni članek
• Organizacija: FKKT - Fakulteta za kemijo in kemijsko tehnologijo
• Status publikacije: Objavljeno
• Različica publikacije: Objavljena publikacija
• Leto izida: 2025
• Št. strani: 11 str.
• Številčenje: Vol. 525, art. 170301
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-175775
• UDK: 661.491.087
• ISSN pri članku: 1385-8947
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.170301
• COBISS.SI-ID: 256282115
• Datum objave v RUL: 07.11.2025

Gradivo je del revije

• Naslov: Chemical engineering journal
• Skrajšan naslov: Chem. eng. j.
• Založnik: Elsevier Sequoia
• ISSN: 1385-8947
• COBISS.SI-ID: 2110998

Licence

• Licenca: CC BY-NC 4.0, Creative Commons Priznanje avtorstva-Nekomercialno 4.0 Mednarodna
• Povezava: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/deed.sl
• Opis: Licenca Creative Commons, ki prepoveduje komercialno uporabo, vendar uporabniki ne rabijo upravljati materialnih avtorskih pravic na izpeljanih delih z enako licenco.

Sekundarni jezik

• Jezik: Slovenski jezik
• Ključne besede: elektrosinteza, vodikov peroksid, dvoelektronska reakcija redukcije kisika, ogljikovi elektrokatalizatorji, elektrokemijski mikroreaktor, pretočni mikroreaktor