Carbon powder from sugarcane bagasse: Controlled synthesis for on-demand H2O2 electrogeneration

Author(s):Show less -

Sperandio, D. C. ; Lourenco, J. C. ; Nogueira, B. ; Kronka, M. S. ; Fortunato, G. V. ; Siqueira, A. F. ; de Siervo, A. ; Rodrigues, L. A. ; Rodrigo, M. A. ; Lanza, M. R. V. ; Rocha, R. S.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: RENEWABLE ENERGY; v. 244, p. 13-pg., 2025-05-01.

Abstract

In this study, we developed a green synthesis route to produce a conductive carbon material selective towards H2O2 electrogeneration, utilizing sugarcane bagasse (SCB), an abundant byproduct of the sugar and ethanol industries, as the feedstock. Through a tailored process involving impregnation with phosphoric acid and thermal activation, we synthesized amorphous porous carbon with outstanding properties - a surface area above 1500 m2g-1 and adjustable porosity from meso to micropores. The application of the optimized carbon material in the Gas Diffusion Electrode (GDE) yielded an H2O2 concentration of up to 1900 mg L- 1 in 120 min of electrolysis, even at practical current densities of up to 160 mA cm- 2. The findings of this study point to the suitability of SCBderived carbon material as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to the traditional petrol-derived carbon materials typically employed in H2O2 electrogeneration; clearly, these findings have promising implications for environmentally conscious practices. (AU)

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