A sulfite/air fuel cell for H2O2 electrosynthesis

H2O2 electrosynthesis is a promising alternative to the industry-dominant anthraquinone process. Unfortunately, currently, it suffers from high energy consumption. In this work, we couple the sulfite oxidation reaction with the 2e(-) route oxygen reduction reaction to operate as a self-driven sulfite/air fuel cell for H2O2 electrosynthesis. An Au-Pd/C catalyst is synthesized as an H2O2 electrosynthesis catalyst, which exhibits good 2e(-) route oxygen reduction reaction activity and selectivity. The fuel cell can realize an open cell voltage of 0.52 V and a discharge current density of 24.48 mA cm(-2) at 0 V. Ammonia desulphurization wastewater is chosen as the fuel, which can achieve both H2O2 electrosynthesis cost reduction and recycling of energy and resources from waste. A long-term test demonstrates the feasibility of the sulfite/air fuel cell, which can produce electricity and H2O2 simultaneously.

Automated summary

In this work, a self-driven sulfite/air fuel cell was developed for H2O2 electrosynthesis by coupling the sulfite oxidation reaction with the 2e(-) route oxygen reduction reaction. An Au-Pd/C catalyst was synthesized and exhibited good activity and selectivity for the 2e(-) route oxygen reduction reaction. The fuel cell achieved an open cell voltage of 0.52 V and a discharge current density of 24.48 mA cm(-2) at 0 V. Ammonia desulphurization wastewater was utilized as the fuel, enabling cost reduction and energy and resource recycling.