News: Researchers Develop Novel Method to Photosynthesize Hydrogen Peroxide Using Water and Air.
Published 1:06 PM EST, Sat March 02, 2024
Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a microporous covalent organic framework with dense donor–acceptor lattices and engineered linkages for the efficient and clean production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 ) through the photosynthesis process with water and air.
At the National University of Singapore (NUS), scientists have created a novel microporous covalent organic framework (COF) that may be used to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using artificial photosynthesis in an effective and environmentally friendly manner. This novel method is in contrast to the conventional, energy-intensive anthraquinone process, which uses costly catalysts, hazardous solvents, and produces a significant amount of trash. Under the direction of Professor Jiang Donglin, the NUS team created hexavalent COFs with hydraulically sensitive microporous channels and donor-acceptor π columns. When exposed to visible light, its precise structural design produces high-rate photo-induced charge formation and instantaneous reactant transport, leading to the spontaneous and efficient production of H2O2 from water and ambient air. The hexavalent COFs showed an amazing quantum efficiency of 17.5% in batch reactors when exposed to visible light at 420 nm in the lab. This artificial photosynthesis system has the potential to be used in disinfection treatments and self-cleaning surfaces. Professor Jiang emphasized the necessity of accurate structural design at the atomic level for both the skeletons and pores of COFs, highlighting the effective resolution of a frequent catalyst issue. The research, which was published in Nature Catalysis, demonstrates previously unheard-of photocatalytic efficiency in the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide, providing a healthy and energy-saving substitute for conventional techniques. In the cannabis industry, hydrogen peroxide is frequently used to cure root rot/infections, sterilize equipment, and maintain a hygienic growth environment. By offering a more economical and sustainable source of this necessary substance, artificial photosynthesis has the potential to have an impact on the cannabis business through the development of an efficient and clean hydrogen peroxide production technique. This photocatalysis discovery is consistent with a larger trend in scientific research that aims to decrease the ecological footprint of numerous businesses, including cannabis cultivation, and improve environmental sustainability. Source: Phys.org
