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The electroreduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide on fixed bed cathodes
Author(s) -
Oloman C.,
Watkinson A. P.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
the canadian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1939-019X
pISSN - 0008-4034
DOI - 10.1002/cjce.5450540412
Subject(s) - electrolyte , hydrogen peroxide , oxygen , peroxide , chemistry , cathode , graphite , inorganic chemistry , particle size , particle (ecology) , limiting current , limiting oxygen concentration , analytical chemistry (journal) , materials science , electrochemistry , electrode , chromatography , organic chemistry , oceanography , geology
The production of dilute alkaline peroxide bleaching solutions by electro‐reduction of oxygen on fixed beds of graphite particles was investigated. The cell was operated both in the two‐phase mode where oxygen saturated 0.1 M NaOH was passed continuously through the bed, and in the three‐phase mode where oxygen gas and electrolyte flowed co‐currently downward through the cell. Experiments were carried out under oxygen pressures from 1 to 12 atmospheres. The peroxide concentration at the reactor outlet, and the current efficiency dependence on the applied current are reported as functions of electrolyte and oxygen flowrates, oxygen pressure, graphite particle size, fixed bed height and electrolyte pH. Conditions for producing maximum peroxide concentrations are described and possible rate limiting steps in the reaction suggested.