Korean Scientists Develop Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Production Method Using Air and Carbon Dioxide

Korean scientists at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), led by Dr. Jong Min Kim, have developed a novel method for producing hydrogen peroxide using air and carbon dioxide. This environmentally friendly approach addresses limitations of the current anthraquinone process, which suffers from high energy consumption and pollution. The new method employs a boron-doped mesoporous carbon catalyst, synthesized from carbon dioxide, sodium borohydride, and calcium carbonate. This catalyst facilitates electrochemical reduction of oxygen in neutral electrolytes, achieving high hydrogen peroxide production efficiencies even with low oxygen concentrations. Real-time Raman analysis confirmed enhanced oxygen transfer due to the mesoporous structure. The team achieved over 80% production efficiency under near-commercial conditions, producing hydrogen peroxide solutions exceeding medical concentration levels (3.6%). This breakthrough promises a more practical and efficient route to hydrogen peroxide production, accelerating its industrialization.