How to make hydrogen peroxide

In the process of producing hydrogen peroxide, pure water (H2O) is injected into the electrolytic cell, and a current is applied between the anode and the cathode. When current passes through water molecules, the water molecules will ionize into hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). Hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions will react at the anode and cathode to form hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a colorless liquid, which is soluble in water. With strong oxidation, it is widely used in medical treatment, beauty, health care and industry. Because of its strong reactivity, the production of hydrogen peroxide requires special conditions and processes. A common method to make hydrogen peroxide is to electrolyze water.

Electrolysis is the process of converting electrical energy into chemical energy. When making hydrogen peroxide, a series of reactions will occur when current passes through water. Put pure water into the electrolyzer and add an appropriate amount of electrolyte (generally sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, etc.). The function of electrolyte is to help the electrolysis process.

Then a pair of polar plates, namely an anode (positive electrode) and a cathode (negative electrode), are arranged in the electrolytic cell and connected with a power supply. When the current passes through the electrolyzer, it will ionize water molecules. Water molecules (H2O) will be decomposed into hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). Hydrogen ions will move to the cathode and hydroxide ions will move to the anode. At the cathode, hydrogen ions combine with electrons to produce hydrogen (H2).

At the same time, hydroxyl ions will give electrons and convert them into water molecules. At the anode, hydroxyl ions will lose electrons and produce oxygen (O2). At the same time, the oxygen on the anode surface will react with water molecules to generate hydrogen peroxide. Collecting the generated hydrogen peroxide is a key step.

Other preparation methods and applications of hydrogen peroxide

Boval process Boval process is a common method for industrial preparation of hydrogen peroxide. In this process, hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen react under the action of catalyst to generate hydrogen peroxide. This method is usually carried out at high pressure, high temperature and in the presence of catalyst.

Industrial method: In industrial production, hydrogen peroxide is usually prepared by selective catalytic oxidation. In this process, hydrogen and oxygen react under the action of catalyst to generate hydrogen peroxide. The method can be carried out at lower temperature and pressure. Hydrogen peroxide is an important oxidant and has a wide range of applications.