PEP Review 84-2-3 Hydrogen Peroxide by Cathodic Reduction of
Oxygen Published: August 1985 Dow Chemical and Huron Chemical
have jointly developed a trickle-bed electrolytic cell for
making an alkaline hydrogen peroxide solution, by cathodic
reduction of oxygen. The cathode consists of graphite chips
coated with a mixture of carbon black and Teflon�. The cell
operates at 25°C, 2 volts, 0.031 amp/cm2, and an oxygen pressure
of less than 1 psig, with a current efficiency of 67%. The Dow-
Huron process produces a solution of 2 wt% hydrogen peroxide in
1 M sodium hydroxide, for wood pulp bleaching in the paper
industry. The joint venture is operating a continuous pilot
plant to generate data for designing a commercial unit for use
on-site by pulp bleachers. Given certain conditions on the
capacity and the price of electricity, the electrochemical route
can be commercially attractive.