Electrocatalytic hydrogen peroxide generation using WO3 nanoparticle-decorated sodium niobate microcubes

Abstract

The current work studies the electrocatalytic performance of NaNbO3 microcubes decorated with WO3 nanoparticles on Printex L6 at varying concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 10% by weight) for H2O2 electrogeneration aiming for future use in electrochemical advanced oxidation processes for organic pollutant degradation·H2O2 electrogeneration was studied using oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with the rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) technique. Electrochemical results revealed an improvement in H2O2 electrogeneration for the NaNbO3@WO3/C materials compared to that achieved with Printex L6 carbon. Notably, the 5% NaNbO3@WO3/C electrocatalyst exhibited a higher ring current for oxygen reduction reaction and promoted a 2.1-electron transfer, facilitating a higher rate of H2O2 electrogeneration through the 2-electron mechanism. Also, enhancing oxygen-containing functional groups has shown the capability to thoroughly adjust characteristics and enhance active sites, increasing H2O2 electrogeneration. These findings suggest that 5% NaNbO3@WO3/C electrocatalysts hold promise for in situ hydrogen peroxide electrogeneration.