On the production of ozone, hydrogen peroxide and peroxone in pressurized undivided electrochemical cells

Abstract

This work is focused on the characterization of the production of ozone, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals (peroxone) in pressurized undivided electrochemical cells. BDD and MMO electrodes were compared as anodes and RVC, graphite and stainless steel as cathodes. Gauge pressures in the range 2–4 bar were applied. Results demonstrate the complexity in the production of oxidants in an undivided cell, allowing to propose a model of the set of reactions (both electrochemical and in the bulk) occurring in the system. A higher pressure decreases the accumulation of ozone meanwhile hydrogen peroxide production is maximized at intermediate values of pressure. Combining BDD and graphite is the best combination for enhancing the production of hydroxyl radicals for which a negligible influence of pressure was observed. These results would allow to select the proper design to maximize the efficiency in the production of each of the oxidants studied.