The research team of Nankai University adopted our company’s RVC reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes, and relevant research results have been published in JACS, a top journal in chemistry!

Abstract

Bubble-Modified Electrodes Enable Catalyst-Free Hydrogen Peroxide Synthesis

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an essential chemical widely used in environmental remediation, chemical synthesis and energy storage. Nevertheless, conventional synthesis technologies suffer from high energy consumption and severe environmental impacts. This study proposes a catalyst-free strategy to synthesize H₂O₂ by constructing gas-liquid-solid three-phase boundaries via bubble-anchored porous carbon electrodes. Three core reaction mechanisms are identified:(1) Enrichment of hydroxide ions in the electric double layer reduces the energy barrier for oxidation into hydroxyl radicals;(2) Hydrophobic bubble interfaces suppress over-oxidation and facilitate the two-electron water oxidation pathway;(3) Oxygen molecules capture electrons generated in the previous step to form hydrogen peroxide.

Density functional theory calculations reveal that the work function of bubble-anchored interfaces is 30% lower than that of bubble-free interfaces, thermodynamically boosting the electrochemical oxidation of hydroxide ions. Experimental results verify that both water and oxygen participate in H₂O₂ generation, and the reaction mechanism is confirmed by capturing various radical intermediates. This research delivers an efficient and sustainable alternative for H₂O₂ production and advances the development of interface-driven catalyst-free electrochemistry.

Introduction to RVC Reticulated Vitreous Carbon Electrodes

Reticulated Vitreous Carbon (RVC) is a three-dimensional microporous material composed of vitreous carbon foam, featuring a void fraction of 90%–97% and low density (0.03 g/cm³). It boasts outstanding chemical stability, large specific surface area and high electrical conductivity, alongside low thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion coefficient, high structural strength and low fluid resistance.

RVC electrodes have broad application prospects in organic electrochemical synthesis, electrocatalysis, electrochemical analysis and other research fields, and are extensively adopted overseas.

Saio Electrochemistry supplies imported RVC electrodes from the United States with pore specifications of 30 PPI, 60 PPI and 100 PPI. We provide both standard bulk products and customized processing services for enterprises and university research teams. The standard bulk electrode size is approximately 10 cm × 10 cm × 0.7 cm.

RVC reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes are widely applied in organic electrochemical synthesis, electrocatalytic reactions, electrochemical research and other fields…