Research Projects

Photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) generation from oxygen and water using metal-free polymeric photocatalysts is a promising method for solar-to-chemical energy transformation. H₂O₂ is a useful and adaptable chemical resource used in industrial applications, such as direct peroxide-peroxide fuel cells (DPPFC). Current industrial H₂O₂ production methods have drawbacks, such as the use of a precious metal catalyst, energy-demanding processes, environmental pollution, high pressure of H₂, and high cost. To address these issues, new synthetic methods are being developed for H₂O₂ production. One such alternative is the photocatalytic two electrons (2e−) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) into H₂O₂ coupled with water oxidation reaction (WOR) using a semiconductor photocatalyst. This green process uses natural resources like H₂O, O₂, and sunlight. Organic semiconductor materials have attracted significant attention as photocatalysts for H₂O₂ generation. A novel photocatalyst based on building blocks such as anthraquinone and derivatives, resorcinol, triarylamine, thiophene, and benzotriazole will be developed. The structure-property-morphology-stability-crystallinity and catalytic activity relationship will be explored to determine the best-suited photocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide production in pure water.