Hybridized mechanical and solar energy‑driven self‑powered system for high‑efficiency hydrogen peroxide production based on triboelectric nanogenerator

Abstract

Exploring cost-effective and environment-friendly technology for H₂O₂ production is of great urgency toward net zero carbon emission. Hybridized mechanical and solar energy‑driven self‑powered H₂O₂ production is a promising alternative to the traditional anthraquinone oxidation process to address high energy consumption, substantial organic waste generation, and toxic by-products. However, the low conversion efficiency of mechanical energy and the low-activity catalytic material are two main challenges of this method for high reaction efficiency. In this work, we construct a unique hybrid H₂O₂ production system, which is composed of a rotatory disc-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and a catalytic reaction unit integrated with TiO₂-BaTiO₃-Ag nanowire array (TOBT-Ag) as photoanode. Particularly, an optimal matching design of the transformer in the management circuit boosts TENG's output current from 0.4 mA to 11.3 mA to supply sufficient electricity power for the electrocatalysis module. Moreover, the ultrafine Ag particle loaded on the TiO₂-BaTiO₃ nanowire array is designed to enhance surface-active catalysis sites and lower the interfacial charge transfer barrier. As a result, the self-powered hybrid catalysis system achieves H₂O₂ production as high as 29.55 μmol/L within 5 min. The successful integration of TENG and nanocatalyst in this work demonstrates an efficient route for the H₂O₂ green production, providing an excellent paradigm for converting renewable natural energy sources into chemical energy.