Production of hydrogen peroxide by the reaction of hydroxylamine and molecular oxygen over activated carbons

In situ production of hydrogen peroxide was achieved by the reaction of hydroxylamine and molecular oxygen over reusable activated carbon catalysts at ambient temperature with environmentally benign by-products (nitrogen and water). The yield of hydrogen peroxide was about 46% with the concentration of 0.39 wt% (114 mmol/L). Temperature-programmed desorption analysis and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy revealed that the oxygen-containing species, especially quinone/semiquinone-like structures, on the surface of activated carbon played a crucial role in the generation of H2O2, probably through the effective activation of oxygen molecule.