Strong Ferroelectric Polarization in BaxSr1–xNb2O6 Nanopowders Enhances Tribocatalytic Production of H2O2

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a pivotal role in multiple industries, spanning healthcare, energy, chemical synthesis, and environmental protection, yet achieving its safe, ecofriendly, simple, and efficient production under ambient conditions remains challenging. In contrast to traditional piezoelectric and photocatalysis techniques, tribocatalysis has recently attracted attention owing to its mild requirements and low energy consumption. Thus, in this study, we synthesized BaxSr1–xNb2O6 (x = 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7) (BSN) ferroelectric nanopowders via solid-phase synthesis and high-energy ball milling to investigate the impact of BSN tribocatalysis on H2O2 production. Our findings reveal that H2O2 can be efficiently synthesized through a tribocatalysis pathway at room temperature and normal pressure by exerting mechanical force during physical contact between BSN particles and deionized water/O2 interfaces. This interaction induces electron transfer, leading to the generation of reactive free radicals (•OH and •O2–). Subsequently, these free radicals combine to form H2O2 (2•OH → H2O2, •O2– + e– + 2H+ → 2H2O2). Our results demonstrate that strong ferroelectric properties can enhance the catalytic capability for H2O2 production. Furthermore, the efficiency can be significantly enhanced by facilitating the passage of O2 and incorporating a sacrificial agent, resulting in a high production rate up to 952.65 μmol L–1 h–1. This study presents a new and efficient method for preparing hydrogen peroxide.