Efficient Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Generation in Water

An electrochemical cell is proposed for the efficient generation of 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in pure water using only power, oxygen and water. H2O2 is an attractive biocide for space-based missions, because no harmful chemical residues are produced, yet planktonic, biofilm-forming, and surface microorganisms are effectively controlled using low concentrations. The major hurdle to expanding the use of H2O2 aboard spacecraft has been the absence of an effective H2O2 generator. A new cell design employing new materials will be used to accomplish this goal. First, an innovative conductive polymer cathode will be utilized to form H2O2 efficiently and selectively. Second, a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) combined with an innovative anode - SPE - cathode design will be utilized to efficiently transfer H+ ions from the anode to cathode, where H2O2 is formed. This approach circumvents problems encountered with previous electrochemical cells designed to produce H2O2. The Phase I will clearly demonstrate the feasibility of these concepts by producing H2O2 in pure water. The Phase II will improve cell efficiency and decrease equivalent system mass (ESM) through cell miniaturization. Long-term performance tests will validate the basic cell design, forming the basis for a multitude of applications in space and commercial markets.