Self‐powered <scp> H <sub>2</sub> O <sub>2</sub> </scp> production using a <scp>Zn</scp> –air electrochemical ce
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is a strong oxidant and a carbon‐free fuel which is synthesized by the costly anthraquinone method, prompting research into highly efficient electrocatalytic processes. This study introduces a self‐sustaining Zn–air electrochemical cell with a carbon black cathode and an efficient polymer‐blend ion‐solvating membrane, which simultaneously generates electricity and synthesizes H 2 O 2 in situ via the 2e − reduction of atmospheric oxygen. The maximum quantity of hydrogen peroxide produced by the proposed method reached an average of 265 μmol h −1 , when functioning at a constant current of 10 mA, which exceeds expectations based on Faraday's law. The high faradaic yields are attributed to a carbon oxygenation reaction mechanism on carbon black electrodes, which is a novel observation in this context. Zn–air electrochemical cells carrying an efficient and stable polymer electrolyte blend membrane can be employed as a means of efficient in situ production of hydrogen peroxide. The excess of hydrogen peroxide produced by this method is attributed to the formation of O 2 * − radicals produced in the presence of carbon electrodes. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).