Spontaneous generation of hydrogen peroxide from aqueous microdroplets

Significance Water is considered to be a stable and relatively inert molecule in bulk solution. We report an exceptional behavior of water: Water molecules are spontaneously oxidized to form hydrogen peroxide near the water−air interface of micron-sized water droplets. This process does not require any chemical reagent, catalyst, applied electric potential, or radiation. Only pure water in the form of microdroplets in air is necessary for the appearance of hydrogen peroxide. We suggest that this discovery opens various innovative opportunities including green and inexpensive production of hydrogen peroxide, green chemical synthesis, safe cleaning, and food processing.

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• IF
  Institute for Basic Science

  Award: IBS-R013-D1
• VA
  Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
• AF
  Air Force Office of Scientific Research

  Award: FA9550-12-1-0400