TP7: Analysis and design of electrochemical interfaces for selective e-HP

Dr. Jessica Hübner
Jonas Grings

Motivation and objectives:
This project aims to explore the hypothesis of the existence of a unified kinetic description and understanding of the thermo- / electrochemical catalytic synthesis of H₂O₂ (HP) from its elements. TP7 will investigate the electrochemical H₂O₂ (e-HP) kinetics and test whether and to what extent the electrochemical kinetic formalisms – based on interfacial proton-electron transfer processes – can also account for the thermo-catalytic H₂O₂ (t-HP) formation rates. Using model thin-film catalysts in 3-electrode setups, in situ X-ray analysis, and a gas diffu-sion electrode (GDE)-based HP electrolyzer cell, the project will establish relationships be-tween e-HP formation kinetics and the interfacial microenvironment, such as solvent, electro-lyte, geometric and electronic structure of the catalyst. Electrochemical corrosion-type analy-sis techniques will be used to extract thermo-catalytic HP production rates and compare them to the thermo-catalytic measurements. Through model-based guidance and close exchange with thermal reactor studies, strategies to enhance the kinetic performance of e-HP electroly-sis cells will be developed.