Solar-driven reaction use water and air to make hydrogen peroxide

Cornell researchers have developed a solar-driven method to produce hydrogen peroxide using only water, oxygen, and sunlight, potentially revolutionizing its industrial manufacture. This approach employs two engineered covalent organic frameworks (ATP-COF-1 and ATP-COF-2) that absorb visible light to catalyze a clean reaction, offering a sustainable alternative to the traditional anthraquinone process. The conventional method relies on fossil fuels, generates chemical waste, and involves hazardous intermediates and transportation risks, whereas the new materials are stable, reusable, and operate efficiently under sunlight. This innovation could enable decentralized, onsite production of hydrogen peroxide at facilities like water-treatment plants, hospitals, and remote sites, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transportation hazards, and energy consumption. While the anthraquinone process remains cheaper, the research team is focused on scaling and cost reduction to make the solar-driven method commercially viable. Beyond environmental benefits, onsite generation could enhance safety by minimizing large-scale transport and storage challenges, potentially reshaping