Brianna and Robby publish a paper on boron and nitrogen doped carbon catalysts for hydrogen peroxide production

This shared first-author paper by Brianna and Robby, describes the superior performance of a series of boron and nitrogen doped carbon catalysts for hydrogen peroxide production via the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), uniquely operating in neutral media. These catalysts are demonstrated in three different reactor geometries, spanning from fundamental studies in a rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) to more applied geometries using gas diffusion electrode (GDE) flow cell and a double membrane electrode assembly (MEA) solid electrolyte electrolyzer. In the latter two reactors, we demonstrate that these catalysts are capable of achieving 70-80% Faradaic efficiency and reaching final product concentrations that are directly relevant for disinfectant applications or for wastewater treatment (2-4+ wt%). A comprehensive spectroscopic analysis using x-ray photoelectron and soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy at complementary B, N, C, and O edges complements the electrochemical and physical analyses to provide new insights for the underlying cause of the enhanced activity. Congratulations Brianna and Robby!