Contact‐electro‐catalysis for Direct Synthesis of H₂O₂ under Ambient Conditions

Abstract

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is an indispensable basic reagent in various industries, such as textile bleach, chemical synthesis, and environmental protection. However, it is challenging to prepare H 2 O 2 in a green, safe, simple and efficient way under ambient conditions. Here, we found that H 2 O 2 could be synthesized using a catalytic pathway only by contact charging a two‐phase interface at room temperature and normal pressure. Particularly, under the action of mechanical force, electron transfer occurs during physical contact between polytetrafluoroethylene particles and deionized water/O 2 interfaces, inducing the generation of reactive free radicals (⋅OH and ⋅O 2 − ), and the free radicals could react to form H 2 O 2 , yielding as high as 313 μmol L −1 h −1 . In addition, the new reaction device could show long‐term stable H 2 O 2 production. This work provides a novel method for the efficient preparation of H 2 O 2 , which may also stimulate further explorations on contact‐electrification‐induced chemistry process.