Improvement of H 2 O 2 electrogeneration using a Vulcan XC72 carbon-based electrocatalyst modified with Ce-doped Nb 2 O 5

Author(s)

Trench, Aline B. ; Moura, Joao Paulo C. ; Antonin, Vanessa S. ; Fernandes, Caio Machado ; Liu, Liying ; Santos, Mauro C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY; v. 35, n. 4, p. 11-pg., 2024-03-20.

Abstract

The use of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for in -situ production of H 2 O 2 is an attractive alternative to replace the methods based on anthraquinone oxidation. This study investigates the modification of Vulcan XC72 carbon with Ce-doped Nb 2 O 5 in different molar proportions and its application as electrocatalysts in the ORR. One performed the characterization of the electrocatalysts using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Subsequently, the electrocatalysts were analyzed for the ORR, and the Nb 2 O 5 doped with 0.5 % Ce showed the highest electrocatalytic response. This electrocatalyst was also employed as a gas diffusion electrode and exhibited more significant H 2 O 2 production at all potentials than the Vulcan XC72 carbon modified solely with Nb 2 O 5 . At the applied potentials of - 1.3 V and - 1.9 V, it produced 105 % and 86 % more H 2 O 2 , respectively, than the Vulcan XC72 carbon modified only with Nb 2 O 5 . These results can be attributed to the doping of Nb 2 O 5 with 0.5 % Ce, which induces local distortions in the crystal lattice of Nb 2 O 5 due to the difference in ionic radius between Nb 5+ and Ce 3+ , combined with increased hydrophilicity and wetting properties, may have facilitated electron transfer and O 2 transport, favoring the ORR. (c) 2024 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier BV and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/14100-0 - Sodium niobate electrodes decorated with WO3 and CeO2 for degradation of the organophosphate pesticide acephate by advanced oxidative electrochemical processes
• Grantee: Felipe de Moura Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/14394-7 - Use of Vulcan XC-72 carbon modified with fluorine and/or cerium doped niobium nanostructures in the electrogeneration of H2O2 for degradation of endocrine disruptors by advanced electrochemical oxidative processes
• Grantee: Aline Barrios Trench
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/05364-7 - Nanostructured electrocatalysts based on manganese and tungsten oxides supported on carbon for electrogeneration of hydrogen peroxide and electrochemical degradation of ciprofloxacino
• Grantee: João Paulo Carvalho Moura
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/10118-0 - Study and application of electrochemical technology for the analysis and degradation of endocrine interferents: materials, sensors, processes and scientific dissemination
• Grantee: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/21846-6 - Nanostructures for environmental remediation and power generation from renewable sources
• Grantee: Mauro Coelho dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Regular Program Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/10484-4 - Application of low-cost nanomaterials for degradation of endocrine disruptors through advanced electrochemical oxidation processes under the influence of a magnetic field
• Grantee: Caio Machado Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral