'Semiconductor Cleaning Solution' Made Directly On-site

Using hydrogen peroxide

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] A catalyst capable of producing hydrogen peroxide, a compound used for various purposes such as bleach, disinfectants, and semiconductor cleaning agents, directly on-site has been developed. This technology is expected to gain attention for reducing costs associated with the transportation and storage of hydrogen peroxide. On the 6th, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) announced that the research results by Professor Jongbeom Baek's team from the Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering were published in the international journal Nature Communications.

Development of Carbon-Based Hydrogen Peroxide Catalyst... Efficiency 97.8%

Analysis of the Performance of Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide (ORHP) Reactions by Functional Groups.

Professor Baek's research team developed a hydrogen peroxide catalyst based on carbon materials. The team created the catalyst by attaching functional groups such as quinone, ether, and carbonyl to thin carbon-based materials like graphene.

Specifically, during the synthesis of graphitic (oxidized carbon) materials containing oxygen functional groups such as quinone, carboxyl, and ether, the team confirmed that the quinone group exhibits high catalytic activity and selectivity with low overpotential. This means they identified the exact location where the hydrogen peroxide catalytic reaction occurs, which had not been clarified before. Through these findings, the team was able to enhance the understanding of the catalytic reaction sites and develop new catalysts.

Produced and Used Where Needed

Theoretical Analysis of Multiple Oxygen Functional Groups

The most significant feature of the newly developed catalyst is that it can produce hydrogen peroxide in the required amount directly where it is needed. Traditionally, hydrogen peroxide production has relied on complex and energy-intensive factory-scale mass production through the 'anthraquinone process.'

Notably, this catalyst is composed of inexpensive carbon-based materials while achieving a hydrogen peroxide production efficiency of 97.8%.

Hydrogen peroxide is an eco-friendly oxidizer widely used for bleaching, disinfecting, and sterilizing, and is also regarded as a potential energy carrier (hydrogen peroxide fuel cells). According to global industry analysis, the worldwide demand for hydrogen peroxide is expected to reach 6 million tons in 2024.

Dr. Gao-Feng Han explained, "This research enhances the understanding of the crucial active sites for hydrogen peroxide generation," adding, "Using experiments alongside density functional theory calculations, we confirmed that the quinone functional group exhibits high catalytic activity and very low overpotential in the oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide (ORHP) reaction."

Professor Jongbeom Baek stated, "This study will serve as a guide for designing high-efficiency hydrogen peroxide catalysts that can be used directly at sites where hydrogen peroxide is needed," and added, "Through this, it will be possible to reduce costs related to the transportation and storage of hydrogen peroxide and expand its applications across various industrial fields."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.