Cornell scientists have discovered a potentially transformative approach to manufacturing one of the world’s most widely used chemicals – hydrogen peroxide – using nothing more than sunlight, water and air.
Cornell scientists have discovered a potentially transformative approach to manufacturing one of the world’s most widely used chemicals – hydrogen peroxide – using nothing more than sunlight, water and air.
The research published Nov. 29 in the journal Nature Communications.
“Currently, hydrogen peroxide is made through the anthraquinone process, which relies on fossil fuels, produces chemical waste and requires transport of concentrated peroxide – all of which have safety and environmental concerns,” said Alireza Abbaspourrad, associate professor of Food Chemistry and Ingredient Technology in the Department of Food Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and corresponding author of the research.
Hydrogen peroxide is ubiquitous in both industrial and consumer settings: It bleaches paper, treats wastewater, disinfects wounds and household surfaces, and plays a key role in electronics manufacturing. Global production runs into the millions of tons each year. Yet today’s process depends almost entirely on a complex method involving hazardous intermediates and large-scale central chemical plants.
Read More: Cornell University
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