Experimental and Thermodynamic Viewpoints on Claims of a Spontaneous H2O2Formation at the Air-Water Interface

Abstract

Recent claims of the spontaneous H2O2 formation at the air-water interface of water microdroplets have sparked debates on its feasibility. New results from different research groups have provided more insight into these claims, but conclusive proofs are still far from realized. In this Perspective, thermodynamic viewpoints, potential experiments, and theoretical approaches are presented as references for future studies. We suggest that future work should seek for H2 byproduct as indirect evidence to confirm the feasibility of this phenomenon. Examining potential energy surfaces for H2O2 formation reaction when moving from the bulk to the interface under the influence of the local electric fields is also critical to establish this phenomenon.