Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Pilot-scale Electrochemical H2O2 Generator according to Spacer Structure Changes and Catholyte Concentration Condition

Abstract

Objectives:In this study, We developed pilot-scale bipolar-electrochemical generator (or bipolar-electrolyzer) for generating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). By comparing H2O2 concentration and generation efficiency of H2O2 according to structure and arrangement of anode/cathode spacer, the structure and arrangement of spacer have been optimised for high H2O2 concentration and generation efficiency. Methods:The concentration and generation efficiency of H2O2 were evaluated by changing the width of the channel supporter in anode/cathode spacer and we optimised the arrangement of anode/cathode spacer in electrochemical generator. Additionally, we also evaluated the efficiency of H2O2 generation with different concentration catholyte (Na2SO4). Results and Discussion:The electrochemical H2O2 generator applied anode/cathode supporter with narrow channel supporter showed high H2O2 concentration of 2023.83 mg/L. Electrochemical H2O2 generator with N-C type spacer (anode: no channel supporter, cathode: channel supporter) showed the highest H2O2 concentration (2295.95 mg/L) and H2O2 generation efficiency (86.87%). also, we observed that the electrolyzer with 20 PSU has higher H2O2 concentration (4217.74 mg/L) and generation efficiency (74.80%). Conclusions:As a results, We generated H2O2 with high concentration and high generation efficiency by optimising structure and arrangement of spacer in electrochemical H2O2 generator. Also, We concluded that the developed bioplar-electrochemical generator in our study could be applied to the real industry.

Keywords

• hydrogen peroxide (h2o2)
• electrolysis
• electrochemical generator
• electrolyzer
• spacer
• gas diffusion electrode (gde)