approach
Project’s Background
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a widely used commodity chemical, it has a strong oxidising capacity, and releases only water and oxygen upon its decomposition – no harmful compounds are formed. Industrial applications of H2O2 include wastewater treatment, bleaching, sanitation, chemical synthesis, and aerospace fuels.
The conventional production process of H2O2, presently operated in large-scale industrial units, is energy-intensive and causes substantial greenhouse gas emissions and the generation of problematic waste streams. Furthermore, the conventional process is optimised for centralised production in high volumes, while being much less suitable for small-scale application and a decentralised H2O2 supply in remote places, avoiding the necessity of transporting aqueous H2O2 solutions over long distances.
Project's methodology and action plan
The R&D activities in Power2Hype include the investigation of electrochemical catalysts and materials, evaluation of their performance in each half-cell (cathode and anode) of electrochemical H2O2 synthesis (oxygen reduction and water oxidation), and application of those materials and process technologies to develop the complete electrochemical process.
This process will be optimised, and customised to efficiently pair into one electrochemical cell, initially using 10 cm2 cells (TRL3), which will be scaled up to 200 cm2 cells (TRL4), stacked (TRL5), and integrated with a specifically designed downstream process to increase H2O2 concentration in the product stream. The integrated process route will then be engineered and demonstrated (TRL6) using renewable energy sources. A comprehensive system-level impact assessment will be carried out to determine the environmental, societal, and economic performance potential of Power2Hype.
6-Steps Process
Electrode Material Development
Develop advanced and commercially viable materials and cell components, such as catalysts, gas diffusion layers/electrodes, ion-exchange membranes, and BDD anodes, to target large-scale electrochemical production of H2O2.
Electrochemical Process
Enhance performance indicators at industrially relevant conditions by utilising developed electrode materials to improve half-cell reactions and to integrate the anodic and cathodic half-cells.
Electrochemical Cell Design
Design a tailored electrolyser for the paired anodic and cathodic production of H2O2 and integrate a downstream processing device for H2O2 concentration.
Downstream Processing
Develop and improve the concentration device and increase the H2O2 production.
Integrating Complete Process
Develop a compatible interface between the electrolytic H2O2 production and DSP for the continuous concentration of H2O2.
Piloting
Create, construct, and evaluate a prototype facility that can generate H2O2 solely by utilising air, water, and electrical energy, integrating all processes.
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