Tio2-based photocatalysts for green hydrogen peroxide production and antimicrobial disinfection

Overview

This solution offers a photocatalytic platform for on-site, light-driven production of hydrogen peroxide using TiO2-based hybrid photocatalysts. By pairing a TiO2 semiconductor with proprietary electrocatalyst co-catalysts developed by the research group, the technology converts light energy into chemical energy, generating hydrogen peroxide as a green disinfectant. The produced hydrogen peroxide can be applied directly for antimicrobial purposes, such as killing bacteria, offering a sustainable and decentralized alternative to conventional chemical disinfection methods.

The approach addresses key challenges in disinfectant supply and sustainability by enabling local generation of hydrogen peroxide using sunlight or artificial light sources, reducing reliance on transported, stored, or industrially manufactured chemical disinfectants.

Technical specifications

Core technology components:

• TiO2 semiconductor photocatalyst that absorbs light and generates electron-hole pairs to drive chemical reactions
• Electrocatalyst co-catalysts developed and validated by the research group, integrated with TiO2 via a self-assembly method to form hybrid photocatalysts
• Light-induced reaction system that produces hydrogen peroxide through photocatalytic conversion

Key features and benefits:

• Uses light (solar or artificial) as the primary energy input for hydrogen peroxide generation
• Builds on electrocatalysts already validated for excellent catalytic activity and selectivity in hydrogen peroxide production
• Produces hydrogen peroxide in situ, reducing transportation, storage, and handling risks associated with concentrated chemical disinfectants
• Supports antimicrobial applications by generating a green disinfectant capable of killing bacteria
• Advanced characterization techniques will be used to explore the origin of antimicrobial performance and underlying mechanisms

Technology readiness level

The electrocatalyst co-catalysts have already been synthesized and validated, demonstrating excellent catalytic activity and selectivity for hydrogen peroxide production. The next phase involves combining these co-catalysts with TiO2 via self-assembly, followed by testing of the hybrid photocatalysts for light-induced hydrogen peroxide generation and antimicrobial performance. Further work includes mechanistic studies and advanced characterization to understand performance origins. The technology is currently at an early-to-mid research and development stage, with components validated individually and integration testing underway.