Electrogeneration of hydrogen peroxide on a novel highly effective acetylene black-PTFE cathode with PTFE film

A novel acetylene black-PTFE cathode for electrogeneration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was fabricated using acetylene black powder (ABP) as catalyst, PTFE as binder. The effect of mass ratio of ABP to PTFE, solution pH (3–11), applied current density (5–20 mA cm−2) and surface hydrophobic property on the activity and useful life of cathode was investigated using a two-electrode undivided cell fed with air at 2 L min−1 in Na2SO4 solution of 0.05 M, and the characteristics of cathode were examined by FTIR spectra, BET measurement, SEM image and CV study. The experimental results showed that: (1) so far the activity of cathode is the highest for the electrogeneration of H2O2 with air feed, at pH 3 and the current density of 20 mA cm−2 the average H2O2 generation rate reaching 58.9 mg L−1 h−1 cm−2 during 150 min of electrolysis and the current efficiency being 92.7%; (2) a proper and stable surface hydrophobic property could significantly increase the useful life of cathode; (3) the cathode had a remarkable restoration and regeneration performance.

► A novel acetylene black-PTFE cathode for electrogenerating H2O2 is fabricated.
► The performance and characteristic of the cathode are examined in detail.
► So far the activity of cathode is highest for the generation of H2O2 with air feed.
► PTFE film coated on the surface of cathode increases significantly cathodic lifetime.
► The cathode can be restored and regenerated easily.