Flexible self-powered materials for on demand generation of hydrogen peroxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen peroxide used in medical and dental applications tends to decompose quickly, losing its disinfectant and stain-removing effectiveness, necessitating frequent reapplication.
Innovation Solution
Electrochemical systems that produce hydrogen peroxide on demand using a pair of electrodes with a catalyst, such as nanoporous copper or metal oxides, which generate hydrogen peroxide when contacted with an aqueous fluid, allowing for localized and controlled production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide is applied to maintain disinfectant and stain removing characteristics, then the effectiveness is improved, but the frequency of reapplication increases due to decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by generating hydrogen peroxide in advance and storing it in a stable form (electrochemical precursors or stabilized formulations) before application. The peroxide is produced on-demand or pre-generated and stored in a way that prevents decomposition, then released when needed, eliminating the need for frequent reapplication while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables self-service through electrochemical generation of hydrogen peroxide at the application site using locally available materials (water and electricity). The system generates its own hydrogen peroxide supply through electrolysis or electrochemical reactions, eliminating the need for external storage and frequent replenishment, thereby maintaining continuous effectiveness.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If hydrogen peroxide is stored for extended periods, then availability is improved, but decomposition occurs reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies parameter changes by altering the chemical state of hydrogen peroxide from an unstable, ready-to-use form to a stable, stored form through electrochemical methods. The peroxide is generated and immediately stabilized through controlled electrochemical reactions, or stored as precursors that convert to active peroxide only when needed, thereby maintaining both long-term storage stability and reliability of disinfectant characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite materials by combining hydrogen peroxide with stabilizing agents or incorporating it into composite structures (such as electrochemical cells with catalysts and membranes) that prevent decomposition. This composite approach allows extended storage while preserving the active disinfectant properties through physical or chemical stabilization mechanisms.
3Reliability
If electrochemical systems are used to produce hydrogen peroxide on demand, then effectiveness over time is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical system enables self-service by generating hydrogen peroxide autonomously at the point of application using simple inputs (electricity and water or oxygen). The system requires no complex storage infrastructure, handling equipment, or frequent manual replenishment, as it produces its own supply on-demand through straightforward electrochemical reactions, thereby maintaining reliability while limiting complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical systems (storage tanks, pumping, manual application) with electrochemical processes that generate hydrogen peroxide in situ. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical infrastructure while achieving reliable, on-demand production through simpler electrochemical cells, reducing overall system complexity despite the introduction of electrical components.
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 electrochemical systems effectively produce hydrogen peroxide in situ, maintaining its effectiveness over time and reducing the need for frequent reapplication, while being safe and biocompatible for use in wound cleaning, tooth whitening, and stain removal.
Implementation Method 1
When contacted with an aqueous fluid, the catalyst electrochemically oxidizes water to produce hydrogen peroxide, or reduces oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide
Implementation Method 2
the catalyst electrochemically oxidizes water to produce hydrogen peroxide
Implementation Method 3
the catalyst electrochemically oxidizes water to produce hydrogen peroxide, or reduces oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are materials/systems and methods that are selective for the formation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via an electrochemical reaction. The materials/systems comprise a substrate and at least one pair of electrodes positioned on or within the substrate, wherein each pair of electrodes comprises an anode and a cathode. At least one of the anode and the cathode comprise a catalyst that can form hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The catalyst can comprise a nanoporous Cu catalyst.