Indian researchers find efficient way to synthesise hydrogen peroxide

Scientists from India, have presented a new method of synthesising hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) that is more efficient, requires less energy and is environmentally friendly.

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in various industries including disinfection, paper bleaching and chemical synthesis. However, the traditional method of H2O2 production, the anthraquinone process, is energy intensive, expensive and produces hazardous by-products. This is reported by IANS, a partner of TV BRICS.

In search of an eco-friendly alternative, Indian scientists have developed a range of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with high hydrophilicity. COFs are a new class of porous polymers with tunable catalytic centres and the ability to absorb light in the visible range.

Studies have shown that hydrazone-linked COFs provide multiple sites for water and oxygen attachment, which facilitates water oxidation (WOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), key step in the photocatalytic production of H2O2.

The scientists also observed that a significant amount of H2O2 was produced under sunlight, which is superior to most organic photocatalysts under similar conditions. This demonstrates an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to produce H2O2.

In addition, the researchers showed that the synthesised COFs linked by hydrazone bonds can generate significant amounts of H2O2 using an aqueous solution of benzyl alcohol. This method also prevents the decomposition of H2O2.