Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Generation Using WO$_3$ Nanoparticle-Decorated Sodium Niobate Microcubes

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that WO$_3$ nanoparticle-decorated sodium niobate microcubes significantly improve electrocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production, with the 5% composite showing optimal performance for potential environmental applications.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel WO$_3$ nanoparticle-decorated sodium niobate microcube electrocatalyst that enhances H$_2$O$_2$ generation via oxygen reduction, outperforming traditional carbon-based catalysts.

Findings

5% NaNbO$_3$@WO$_3$/C shows highest H$_2$O$_2$ production.

Electrocatalyst promotes 2.1-electron transfer in ORR.

Enhanced oxygen functional groups increase active sites.

Abstract

The current work studies the electrocatalytic performance of NaNbO$_3$ microcubes decorated with WO$_3$ nanoparticles on Printex L6 at varying concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 10% by weight) for H$_2$O$_2$ electrogeneration aiming for future use in electrochemical advanced oxidation processes for organic pollutant degradation H$_2$O$_2$ electrogeneration was studied using oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with the rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) technique. Electrochemical results revealed an improvement in H$_2$O$_2$ electrogeneration for the NaNbO$_3$@WO$_3$/C materials compared to that achieved with Printex L6 carbon. Notably, the 5% NaNbO$_3$@WO$_3$/C electrocatalyst exhibited a higher ring current for oxygen reduction reaction and promoted a 2.1-electron transfer, facilitating a higher rate of H$_2$O$_2$ electrogeneration through the 2-electron mechanism. Also, enhancing oxygen-containing functional groups has shown the capability to thoroughly adjust characteristics and enhance active sites, increasing H$_2$O$_2$ electrogeneration. These findings suggest that 5% NaNbO$_3$@WO$_3$/C electrocatalysts hold promise for in situ hydrogen peroxide electrogeneration.