Laser direct overall water splitting for H2 and H2O2 production.

Hydrogen (H2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) play crucial roles as energy carriers and raw materials for industrial production. However, the current techniques for H2 and H2O2 production rely on complex catalysts and involve multiple intermediate steps. In this study, we present a straightforward, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient laser-induced conversion method for overall water splitting to simultaneously generate H2 and H2O2 at ambient conditions without any catalysts. The laser direct overall water splitting approach achieves an impressive light-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency of 2.1%, with H2 production rates of 2.2 mmol/h and H2O2 production rates of 65 µM/h in a limited reaction area (1 mm2) within a short real reaction time (0.36 ms/h). Furthermore, we elucidate the underlying physics and chemistry behind the laser-induced water splitting to produce H2 and H2O2. The laser-induced cavitation bubbles create an optimal microenvironment for water-splitting reactions because of the transient high temperatures (104 K) surpassing the chemical barrier required. Additionally, their rapid cooling rate (1010 K/s) hinders reverse reactions and facilitates H2O2 retention. Finally, upon bubble collapse, H2 is released while H2O2 remains dissolved in the water. Moreover, a preliminary amplification experiment demonstrates the potential industrial applications of this laser chemistry. These findings highlight that laser-based production of H2 and H2O2 from water holds promise as a straightforward, environmentally friendly, and efficient approach on an industrial scale beyond conventional chemical catalysis.