Construction of a ZnO/Ag2O S-type heterojunction and its efficient production of H2O2 through piezoelectric catalytic dual reaction pathways

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a crucial industrial chemical with diverse applications, ranging from disinfection and bleaching to chemical synthesis and environmental remediation. However, conventional H₂O₂ production methods, such as the anthraquinone oxidation process, face significant challenges, including high energy consumption, environmental concerns, and reliance on hazardous chemicals. To address these issues, there is a growing need for the development of stable, green, and efficient production technologies. Piezoelectric catalysis has emerged as a cutting-edge solution, leveraging piezoelectric materials to convert mechanical energy into chemical energy. This process facilitates the charge separation necessary for redox reactions, offering a promising pathway for the clean and sustainable production of H₂O₂. In this study, S-type ZnO/Ag₂O heterojunctions were synthesized using a precipitation method. This heterojunction demonstrated exceptional catalytic performance, achieving an impressive H₂O₂ production rate of 346.9 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, surpassing many existing catalysts. A key breakthrough of this research lies in the dual reaction pathway mechanism of H₂O₂ production. Unlike traditional methods that rely on a single reaction pathway, the ZnO/Ag₂O catalyst enables simultaneous H₂O₂ generation through both the water oxidation reaction (WOR) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This dual reaction pathway approach significantly enhances the overall yield. This study not only highlights the potential of piezoelectric catalysis as a high-performance method for H₂O₂ synthesis but also paves the way for further advancements in clean and sustainable chemical production.