Characterization of oxidized reticulated vitreous carbon for generation of H{sub}2O{sub}2 from flowing acid solutions

摘要

The oxidation of reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) and its impact on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in H{sub}2SO{sub}4 solutions has been studied and compared with that of a planar glassy carbon (GC) electrode. The oxidation process was characterized using different electrode configurations; GC (planar) and RVC electrodes both with flooded and flow-through assembly. Voltammetric techniques were used for the characterization of the ORR. Anodically oxidized GC and flooded RVC are similar in that the ORR on both electrodes gave a more defined limiting current plateau. For the flow-through porous electrode, the oxidation process caused a distribution of the oxidation extent within the bed thickness, as evident from the SEM images and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, and only about half of the porous electrode was utilized in the oxidation process. Oxidation of RVC led to an enhancement of its electrocatalytic properties towards ORR. H{sub}2O{sub}2 production was tested at the oxidized RVC from flowing acid solutions. The oxidation of RVC resulted in higher current efficiencies and higher outlet concentrations of the H{sub}2O{sub}2 acid solutions.