Today we are going to talk about a chemical compound that, although not new, is gaining prominence in the energy transition: hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Yes, the same one you have in your first aid kit to disinfect wounds. But what does this compound have to do with the energy of the future? Well, more than you imagine. Let’s break it down in a simple way, but with technical data that will leave you speechless.

What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms (H₂O₂). Unlike water (H₂O), it has an extra oxygen atom, making it a powerful oxidizing agent. This means that it is highly reactive and can easily release oxygen, making it useful in applications ranging from disinfection to rocket propulsion.

But here’s the interesting thing: hydrogen peroxide can also be an energy vector. That is, it can store and release energy efficiently. And this, my friends, is key to the energy transition.

Hydrogen Peroxide in the Energy Transition

The energy transition seeks to replace fossil fuels with clean and renewable energy sources. However, one of the biggest challenges is the storage and transport of that energy. That’s where H₂O₂ comes in.

1. Energy Storage

Hydrogen peroxide can be produced by electrolysis of water, using electricity generated by renewable sources such as solar or wind. This process splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, and then the hydrogen can react with oxygen to form H₂O₂.

The good news is that hydrogen peroxide is much easier to store and transport than hydrogen gas, which requires high-pressure conditions or extremely low temperatures. In addition, H₂O₂ is liquid at room temperature, which simplifies its handling.

2. Power Generation

When stored energy needs to be released, hydrogen peroxide can break down into water and oxygen, releasing energy in the process. This reaction can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity cleanly and efficiently.

In fact, researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have developed fuel cells that use H₂O₂ as fuel, achieving efficiencies comparable to those of conventional hydrogen cells, but with fewer technical complications.

Rocket Propulsion

Hydrogen peroxide has historically been used in rocket propulsion, especially in monopropellant rocket engines. In these systems, H₂O₂ is broken down into water and oxygen through a catalyst, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and gas. This process is highly efficient and produces less toxic waste compared to other fuels such as hydrazine.

Advantages of Hydrogen Peroxide

• Safety: Although it is an oxidizing agent, H₂O₂ is less flammable than hydrogen gas, which reduces the risks of explosion.
• Energy Density: It has a relatively high energy density, which makes it efficient for energy storage.
• Versatility: Can be used in multiple applications, from electricity generation to disinfection and the chemical industry.

Challenges and Limitations

Although hydrogen peroxide has great potential, not everything is rosy. Some of the challenges include:

• Cost of Production: The production of H₂O₂ by electrolysis is even more expensive than traditional fossil fuel-based methods.
• Stability: Hydrogen peroxide can break down over time, especially in the presence of impurities, requiring careful storage.
• Infrastructure: Specific infrastructure needs to be developed for large-scale production, storage, and use.

The Future of Hydrogen Peroxide

Despite the challenges, hydrogen peroxide has a promising future in the energy transition and beyond. Researchers and companies are working on technologies to make their production cheaper and improve their efficiency. For example, the company Thyssenkrupp is developing methods to produce H₂O₂ more sustainably, using renewable energies.

In addition, its use in applications such as satellite and rocket propulsion is gaining ground. As detailed in an article published in the journal Aerospace (MDPI), H₂O₂ is an ideal green oxidizer for aerospace applications. Its ability to break down into water and oxygen makes it a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional fuels, which are often toxic and polluting.

NASA and other space agencies have explored the use of hydrogen peroxide in monopropellant rocket engines and attitude control systems, thanks to its high efficiency and relative safety. In addition, its production through electrolysis using renewable energy positions it as a key option for the decarbonization of the aerospace industry.

References

• California Institute of Technology (Caltech). “Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Cells.”
• “Sustainable Hydrogen Peroxide Production.”
• “Hydrogen Peroxide in Space Propulsion.”
• Aerospace(MDPI). “Hydrogen Peroxide as a Green Oxidizer for Aerospace Applications.”