Next gEneration PGM-Free EleCtrocatalysts for the Green Electrosynthesis of Hydrogen PerOxide and Electro-Fenton preservation of Aqueous Environments

Hydrogen peroxide represents a crucial commodity with manifold applications due to its strong oxidizing power. More than 95% large-scale H2O2 production is currently carried out by the anthraquinone process, a highly energy intensive process.

The intent of this project is to develop and investigate cost-effective and green electrocatalysts for the electrogeneration of H2O2 to be used in Electro-Fenton processes for potabilization of water. In particular, the comparative degradation ability of the different catalysts will be investigated by treating target solutions of pharmaceutical products. The project will consist of: i) a design and synthesis of three classes of catalytic materials based on readily available elements, ii) the understanding of the structure/activity relationship with regard the 2e-ORR by means of various techniques, iii) the evaluation of the in-situ synthesis of H2O2 aqueous solutions with specific concentrations for degradation of pharmaceutical products.