Water Reactivity in Electrified Interfaces: The Simultaneous Production of Electricity, Hydrogen, and Hydrogen Peroxide at Room Temperature

Author(s)

Santos, Leandra P. ; Lermen, Diana ; Yoshimura, Rafael Galiza ; da Silva, Bruno Leuzinger ; Galembeck, Andre ; Burgo, Thiago A. L. ; Galembeck, Fernando

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Langmuir; v. 39, n. 16, p. 11-pg., 2023-04-13.

Abstract

Hygroelectric cells deliver hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide, and electric current simultaneously at room temperature from liquid water or vapor. Different cell arrangements allowed the electrical measurements and the detection and measurement of the reaction products by two methods each. Thermodynamic analysis shows that water dehydrogenation is a non spontaneous reaction under standard conditions, but it can occur within an open, non-electroneutral system, thus supporting the experimental results. That is a new example of chemical reactivity modification in charged interfaces, analogous to the hydrogen peroxide formation in charged aqueous aerosol droplets. Extension of the experimental methods and the thermodynamic analysis used in this work may allow the prediction of interesting new chemical reactions that are otherwise unexpected. On the other hand, this adds a new facet to the complex behavior of interfaces. Hygroelectric cells shown in this work are built from commodity materials, using standard laboratory or industrial processes that are easily scaled up. Thus, hygroelectricity may eventually become a source of energy and valuable chemicals. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/00834-2 - Conductive inks, adhesives and coatings made with exfoliated graphite, applied to making electrical components and circuits
• Grantee: Fernando Galembeck
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• FAPESP's process: 19/04565-9 - Conductive inks, adhesives and coatings made with exfoliated graphite, applied to making electrical components and circuits
• Grantee: Leandra Pereira dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• FAPESP's process: 14/50906-9 - INCT 2014: in Functional Complex Materials
• Grantee: Fernando Galembeck
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/01668-4 - Fabrication and applications of multifunctional materials
• Grantee: Fernando Galembeck
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE