Carbon-Supported M–N Catalyst for Hydrogen Peroxide Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

The anthraquinone process for producing hydrogen peroxide is energy-intensive and uses expensive palladium catalysts, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective alternative.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst comprising a carbon-based support with a transition metal atom (M1) and nitrogen doping, specifically utilizing a Co—N4 bonding structure and electron-rich oxygen species to enhance hydrogen peroxide production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the anthraquinone process is used for producing hydrogen peroxide, then hydrogen peroxide can be produced, but the process is energy-intensive and uses expensive palladium catalysts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen peroxide production performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the catalyst system by replacing palladium with transition metal atoms (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn) combined with nitrogen-doped carbon supports. This parameter change in catalyst composition enables hydrogen peroxide production with lower energy consumption while maintaining good catalytic performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials consisting of nitrogen-doped carbon supports combined with transition metal atoms. This composite structure provides both the catalytic activity needed for hydrogen peroxide production and the electrical conductivity required for electrochemical reactions, replacing the need for expensive palladium while reducing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the anthraquinone process is used for producing hydrogen peroxide, then hydrogen peroxide can be produced, but expensive palladium catalysts are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen peroxide production performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive palladium catalysts with cheaper transition metal atoms (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn) that can be obtained from common salts. These cheaper catalyst materials significantly reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate catalytic performance for hydrogen peroxide production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the catalyst composition parameters from precious metals to abundant transition metals, fundamentally altering the cost structure of the process while maintaining production effectiveness through the synergistic effect of metal atoms and nitrogen-doped carbon supports

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a catalyst with high kinetic current density and mass activity is designed, then hydrogen peroxide production efficiency is improved, but catalyst complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen peroxide production efficiencyVSAvoidcatalyst structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by creating specific M1-N bonding structures where transition metal atoms are coordinated with nitrogen atoms in the carbon support. This localized structural arrangement at the atomic level provides high catalytic activity and selectivity for hydrogen peroxide production without requiring complex overall catalyst architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The nitrogen-doped carbon support acts as an intermediary that bridges the transition metal atoms and the reaction environment. The nitrogen atoms mediate the interaction between metal centers and reactants, enabling high kinetic current density and mass activity through optimized electron transfer and reactant activation without adding structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The catalyst achieves high kinetic current density, mass activity, and stability for hydrogen peroxide production with a simple preparation method and reduced manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a catalyst moiety that is bonded to the carbon-based support and comprises an M1-N bonding structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

electron-rich oxygen species to enhance hydrogen peroxide production

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron transfer: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12448691B2Catalyst for producing hydrogen peroxide, and preparation method therefor

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION

AI summary

A catalyst for producing hydrogen peroxide and a preparation method therefor are provided. The catalyst for producing hydrogen peroxide according to the embodiments of the present invention comprises a carbon-based support and a catalyst moiety that is bonded to the carbon-based support and comprises an M1-N bonding structure (M1 represents a transition metal atom). The method for preparing a catalyst for producing hydrogen peroxide according to the embodiments of the present invention comprises preparing a carbon-based support, providing a transition metal atom (M1) to the carbon-based support, and doping nitrogen into the carbon-based support.