Xiangkang Zeng

Electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide

A project on hydrogen peroxide production by electrocatalysts is available in our group. Potential PhD candidates are welcome to apply for UQ GSS or CSC-UQ scholarships. Please get in touch for more detailed information.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a commodity chemical applied in diverse products and industries. Nevertheless, its current industrial production process is not sustainable. Electrochemical process is an alternative and green process for the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide, as H2O2 can be prepared by water oxidation on anode or oxygen reduction on cathode, with renewable (e.g., solar or wind) energy as the energy input. Progress has been made in this research topic in the last decade; however, the efficiency still needs improvement through designing efficient electrodes and reactors. To address these challenges, this PhD project aims to develop a new type of catalysts that can be used for H2O2 production from water oxidation reaction and/or oxygen reduction. It is expected the developed catalysts would be integrated as membrane electrodes and used for H2O2 production in a designed flow cell device.

A working knowledge of electrochemistry, chemical engineering and water splitting processes would be of benefit to someone working on this project. A background or knowledge of either materials engineering or chemical engineering, is highly desirable. You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of materials engineering, chemical engineering and electrochemistry, and the potential for scholastic success.