DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrochemical catalysis, specifically to the development of biocompatible and bio-renewable electrocatalysts for the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). More particularly, it pertains to the design, synthesis, and application of niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 composites as effective and sustainable electrocatalysts for the electrochemical reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide. This invention finds its application in various industries including chemical manufacturing, environmental remediation, water disinfection, and sustainable energy storage and production, aiming to offer a cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional anthraquinone process for H2O2 production.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a valuable chemical widely used across various industries including the chemical industry, paper and pulp industry, semiconductor cleaning, environmental remediation, and sustainable energy storage and production. In 2021, the global demand for H2O2 was approximately 3.7 million tonnes, with India alone accounting for about 140 thousand metric tonnes. The hydrogen peroxide market is projected to reach around US$6.6 billion by 2026. Despite its extensive use, the predominant method for producing H2O2, known as the anthraquinone process, is a multistep, energy-intensive, and capital-heavy process. This method also involves significant waste production and requires substantial amounts of energy, hydrogen, and organic solvents, presenting challenges in terms of storage and transportation of H2O2 concentrates.
[0003] Given the limitations of the anthraquinone process, there is a growing need for alternative methods that are more sustainable, cost-effective, and suitable for on-site, small-scale production of H2O2. One promising alternative is the electrochemical reduction of oxygen, also known as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), supported by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This method offers a green, safe, and efficient approach to producing H2O2. However, the practical application of this method is heavily dependent on the availability of cost-effective and electrochemically stable electrocatalysts with high activity and selectivity for the reduction of oxygen to H2O2 under ambient conditions.
[0004] In response to this need, the present invention introduces a novel biocompatible and bio-renewable electrocatalyst: niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite. This innovative material exhibits excellent electrochemical stability, activity, and selectivity for the ORR, enabling efficient production of H2O2 with high faradaic efficiency. Detailed voltametric studies have demonstrated the electrocatalytic performance of Vit B12-NS, highlighting its potential for small-scale, on-site production of H2O2 for synthetic and disinfection applications.
[0005] The invention further showcases the practical application of the Vit B12-NS composite in water disinfection. Experimental results reveal that heavily contaminated water samples can be effectively disinfected within 20 minutes of treatment in an electrolysis cell using Vit B12-NS as the electrocatalytic surface. This biocompatible and bio-renewable catalyst presents a significant advancement in the design of cost-effective, efficient, and safe electrochemical setups for H2O2 production, offering a promising solution for a range of industrial and environmental applications.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] The present invention pertains to the development of a niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite, a biocompatible and bio-renewable electrocatalyst designed for the efficient electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This innovative composite material addresses the limitations of the traditional anthraquinone process, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and green alternative for H2O2 production.
[0007] The Vit B12-NS composite is characterized by its exceptional electrochemical stability, high electrocatalytic activity, and selectivity for the reduction of oxygen to H2O2. These properties enable the composite to achieve high faradaic efficiency, making it suitable for small-scale, on-site production of H2O2 under ambient conditions of pH, temperature, and pressure.
[0008] A significant application of the Vit B12-NS composite is demonstrated in water disinfection. Experimental studies show that using Vit B12-NS as an electrocatalytic surface in an electrolysis cell can effectively disinfect heavily contaminated water samples within 20 minutes, specifically those contaminated with the XL1-Blue strain of E. coli.
[0009] This invention presents a practical and versatile solution for various industries including chemical manufacturing, environmental remediation, water treatment, and sustainable energy production. The biocompatible and bio-renewable nature of the Vit B12-NS composite ensures that it is not only effective but also environmentally friendly and safe for widespread use. The invention holds promise for the development of cost-effective, efficient, and automated electrochemical systems for the production and application of H2O2, significantly advancing the field of green chemistry and sustainable industrial practices.
[0010] Traditional Anthraquinone Process: The predominant method for industrial H2O2 production is the anthraquinone process. This process involves the hydrogenation of anthraquinone followed by oxidation, yielding H2O2 and regenerating the anthraquinone. This multistep process is energy-intensive, capital-heavy, and produces significant waste. It also requires substantial amounts of hydrogen and organic solvents, posing challenges for storage and transportation of H2O2 concentrates. The inherent complexity and environmental impact of this process highlight the need for more sustainable alternatives.
[0011] Electrochemical Production of H2O2: Electrochemical methods for H2O2 production, particularly the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), have been explored as greener alternatives to the anthraquinone process. These methods use renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, making them cost-effective and environmentally friendly. However, their practical utility is limited by the availability of efficient and stable electrocatalysts. Research has focused on various materials, including precious metals and metal oxides, but these often suffer from high costs and stability issues under operational conditions.
[0012] Use of Vitamin B12 in Catalysis: Vitamin B12 has been studied for its catalytic properties in various chemical reactions due to its cobalt-containing corrin ring structure. It has shown promise in promoting redox reactions, including the reduction of oxygen. However, its direct application in electrochemical H2O2 production has been limited by challenges in stability and activity under electrochemical conditions. Encapsulation and immobilization techniques have been investigated to enhance its performance, but practical implementations remain scarce.
[0013] Niosome Encapsulation Technology: Niosomes are non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles used for encapsulating active compounds to enhance their stability and bioavailability. This technology has been widely used in drug delivery systems but has seen limited application in electrocatalysis. The encapsulation of catalytic materials in niosomes can potentially improve their electrochemical stability and activity, providing a novel approach for the development of effective electrocatalysts.
[0014] Bio-renewable and Biocompatible Materials: The search for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has led to the exploration of bio-renewable and biocompatible compounds in various applications. These materials are derived from renewable resources and are designed to be non-toxic and biodegradable. Their use in electrocatalysis is gaining interest as they offer a green alternative to traditional, often hazardous, catalytic materials.
[0015] The present invention builds upon these prior art references by combining the advantageous properties of Vitamin B12 and niosome encapsulation technology to create a biocompatible and bio-renewable electrocatalyst. The Vit B12-NS composite demonstrates superior electrochemical stability, activity, and selectivity for the ORR, enabling efficient H2O2 production under ambient conditions. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of previous methods and offers a promising solution for sustainable H2O2 production and water disinfection applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings illustrate the embodiments of systems, methods, and other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent an example of the boundaries. In some examples, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another and vice versa. Furthermore, the elements may not be drawn to scale.
[0017] Various embodiments will hereinafter be described in accordance with the appended drawings, which are provided to illustrate, not limit, the scope, wherein similar designations denote similar elements, and in which:
[0018] Figure 1 illustrates the experimental setup for the electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and water disinfection using a niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite as the electrocatalyst.
[0019] Figure 2 illustrates the visual representation of the stepwise process for the synthesis, characterization, and application of the niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite for electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and water disinfection.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0020] The present disclosure is best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments have been discussed with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions provided herein with respect to the figures are merely for explanatory purposes, as the methods and devices may extend beyond the described embodiments. For instance, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond certain implementation choices in the following embodiments.
[0021] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[0022] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks. The term “method” refers to manners, means, techniques, and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques, and procedures either known to or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques, and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs. The descriptions, examples, methods, and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be constructed as limiting but rather as illustrative only. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations within the scope of the technology described herein.
[0023] The present invention relates to a novel electrocatalyst composed of niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite, designed for the efficient electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This biocompatible and bio-renewable electrocatalyst offers significant advantages over traditional methods, providing a cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative for H2O2 production.
[0024] Composition and Preparation
[0025] 1. Niosome Encapsulation of Vitamin B12: Niosomes are non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles that encapsulate active compounds, enhancing their stability and bioavailability. In this invention, Vitamin B12, a cobalt-containing corrin ring compound known for its catalytic properties, is encapsulated within niosomes to form the Vit B12-NS composite. The encapsulation process involves the following steps:
? Selection of Surfactants: Non-ionic surfactants such as Span 60 and Tween 60 are chosen for their biocompatibility and ability to form stable vesicles.
? Hydration: A thin film of the surfactant mixture is hydrated with an aqueous solution containing Vitamin B12 under controlled temperature and agitation to form niosomes encapsulating the Vitamin B12.
? Size Reduction: The resulting niosome suspension is subjected to sonication or extrusion to achieve the desired particle size, ensuring uniform distribution and optimal surface area for catalytic activity.
[0026] Electrochemical Properties and Performance
[0027] 2. Electrocatalytic Activity: The Vit B12-NS composite exhibits excellent electrochemical stability and activity for the ORR, making it an efficient catalyst for H2O2 production. Detailed voltametric studies reveal the following key performance metrics:
? High Faradaic Efficiency: The composite demonstrates high faradaic efficiency for the selective reduction of oxygen to H2O2, minimizing unwanted side reactions.
? Stable Performance: The niosome encapsulation provides a protective environment for Vitamin B12, enhancing its stability under electrochemical conditions and extending the catalyst’s operational lifespan.
[0028] 3. Application in H2O2 Production: The practical utility of the Vit B12-NS composite is validated through its application in an electrochemical cell for on-site H2O2 production. The setup involves:

? Electrode Preparation: The Vit B12-NS composite is coated onto a suitable electrode substrate, such as carbon cloth or graphite, ensuring good adhesion and conductivity.
? Electrochemical Cell Design: The cell is configured with the composite-coated electrode as the cathode, a suitable anode, and an electrolyte solution conducive to the ORR.
? Operational Conditions: The cell operates under ambient conditions of pH, temperature, and pressure, using a renewable power source such as solar or wind energy to drive the electrochemical reduction of oxygen.
[0029] 4. Water Disinfection Application: As a proof of concept, the Vit B12-NS composite’s efficacy in water disinfection is demonstrated:
? Contaminated Water Samples: Water samples heavily contaminated with the XL1-Blue strain of E. coli are treated in the electrochemical cell.
? Disinfection Process: The cell operates for 20 minutes, during which the electrocatalytic activity of the Vit B12-NS composite generates H2O2 in situ, effectively disinfecting the water by eliminating the bacterial contaminants.
[0030] Advantages and Potential Applications: The Vit B12-NS composite offers several advantages over traditional methods and materials:
? Biocompatibility and Bio-renewability: The composite is derived from non-toxic, renewable resources, ensuring environmental safety and sustainability.
? Cost-effectiveness: The use of niosomes and Vitamin B12 provides a low-cost alternative to precious metal-based catalysts, making the technology accessible for various applications.
? Versatility: The composite can be utilized in diverse applications including chemical manufacturing, environmental remediation, water treatment, and sustainable energy production.
[0031] The niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite represents a significant advancement in the field of electrochemical catalysis. By leveraging the unique properties of niosomes and the catalytic potential of Vitamin B12, this invention provides an effective, sustainable, and versatile solution for the electrochemical production of H2O2. Its practical applications in water disinfection further highlight its potential to address critical environmental and industrial challenges.
[0032] Figure 1 illustrates the experimental setup for the electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and water disinfection using a niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite as the electrocatalyst. The components and configuration of the setup are as follows:
1. Gas Inlet for Oxygen (1): Oxygen gas is introduced into the system through a gas inlet, ensuring a continuous supply of O2 for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
2. Working Electrode (2): A glassy carbon (GC) strip coated with a film of the Vit B12-NS composite (1 cm²) serves as the working electrode. The surface of the GC strip is partially blocked with tape to define the active area for the reaction.
3. Reference Electrode (3): An Ag wire is used as the reference electrode to provide a stable reference potential for the electrochemical measurements.
4. Gas Outlet (4): Excess gas is vented out of the system through a designated gas outlet.
5. Potentiostat/Power Supply (5): The potentiostat or power supply is used to control and measure the potential and current applied to the working electrode during the electrochemical process.
6. Membrane (6): A membrane separates the two compartments of the electrochemical cell, allowing ionic conduction while preventing the mixing of different solutions.
7. Counter Electrode (7): A high-porosity nickel (Ni) foam serves as the counter electrode, providing a large surface area for the complementary oxidation reaction.
8. Oxygen Bubbling (8): Oxygen gas is bubbled into the solution to maintain a high concentration of dissolved O2 in the electrolyte, which is essential for the ORR.
9. Electrolyte Solution (9): The electrolyte consists of 30 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, 0.1 M, pH 7) containing the XL1-Blue strain of E. coli bacteria. This solution is used both for the production of H2O2 and for demonstrating the disinfection capability of the system.
[0033] Reaction Description:
[0034] The primary reaction occurring at the working electrode is the reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide:

[0035] The setup allows for the electrochemical reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide with high faradaic efficiency, leveraging the catalytic properties of the Vit B12-NS composite. The generated H2O2 is utilized for disinfection purposes, effectively killing the bacterial contaminants in the water sample.
[0036] This figure encapsulates the innovative approach of using a biocompatible, bio-renewable electrocatalyst for the sustainable production of hydrogen peroxide and water disinfection, demonstrating the practical utility of the Vit B12-NS composite in electrochemical applications.
[0037] Figure 2 illustrates the visual representation of the stepwise process for the synthesis, characterization, and application of the niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite for electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and water disinfection. Below is a detailed description of each step represented in the flowchart:
[0038] 1. Selection of Surfactants and Hydration Medium:
? Surfactants: Choose non-ionic surfactants such as Span 60 and Tween 60 for forming niosomes.
? Hydration Medium: Prepare an aqueous solution of Vitamin B12, which will be used to hydrate the surfactant film.
[0039] 2. Hydration and Formation of Niosomes: Thin Film Hydration Method:
? Dissolution: Dissolve Span 60 and Tween 60 in an organic solvent (e.g., chloroform) in a round-bottom flask.
? Evaporation: Use a rotary evaporator to remove the solvent under reduced pressure, forming a thin film of surfactants on the flask's inner wall.
? Hydration: Add the aqueous Vitamin B12 solution to the flask and hydrate the thin film at a controlled temperature (around 60°C) with gentle agitation, resulting in the formation of multilamellar niosomes encapsulating Vitamin B12.
[0040] 3. Achieve Desired Particle Size: Sonication or Extrusion:
? Sonication: Use a probe sonicator to reduce the size of the niosomes to the desired range (typically 50-200 nanometres).
? Extrusion: Alternatively, pass the niosome suspension through a membrane extruder with defined pore sizes to achieve uniform nanosized niosomes.
[0041] 4. Assess Electrocatalytic Properties:
? Size and Morphology: Use dynamic light scattering (DLS) to measure particle size distribution and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize the niosomes' morphology.
? Encapsulation Efficiency: Measure the amount of Vitamin B12 encapsulated within the niosomes using UV-Vis spectrophotometry.
? Electrochemical Properties: Perform cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) to assess the electrochemical stability and catalytic activity of the Vit B12-NS composite for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
[0042] 5. Prepare and Coat Electrode: Electrode Coating:
? Prepare a suspension of the Vit B12-NS composite in a solvent like ethanol.
? Drop-cast the suspension onto a conductive substrate (e.g., carbon cloth, graphite, or glassy carbon electrode).
? Allow the solvent to evaporate, leaving a uniform coating of the composite on the electrode surface.
? Drying and Sintering: Dry the coated electrode under ambient conditions or in an oven at a low temperature to ensure good adhesion of the composite.
[0043] 6. Electrochemical Production of H2O2
? Setup Electrochemical Cell for H2O2 Production:
? Cell Assembly:
? Working Electrode: Use the Vit B12-NS composite-coated electrode.
? Counter Electrode: Use a platinum or graphite electrode.
? Reference Electrode: Use an Ag/AgCl or saturated calomel electrode (SCE).
? Electrolyte: Use an aqueous solution of potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7) or another suitable electrolyte.
? Oxygen Saturation: Saturate the electrolyte with oxygen by bubbling O2 gas through it.
? ORR Process: Apply a suitable potential (e.g., -0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl) to the working electrode to initiate the ORR, leading to H2O2 production.
[0044] 7. Treat Contaminated Water Samples:
? Contaminated Water: Prepare water samples contaminated with a known concentration of the XL1-Blue strain of E. coli.
? Disinfection Process:
? Place the contaminated water samples in the electrochemical cell.
? Operate the cell under the same conditions as for H2O2 production for 20 minutes.
? During electrolysis, the generated H2O2 disinfects the water by killing bacterial contaminants.
? Verification: After treatment, take samples of the water and plate them on nutrient agar plates. Incubate the plates at 37°C for 24 hours and count colony-forming units (CFUs) to assess disinfection effectiveness.
[0045] 8. Evaluate and Optimize Performance:
? Faradaic Efficiency and Yield: Measure the faradaic efficiency and yield of H2O2 produced.
? Stability and Reusability: Assess the stability and reusability of the Vit B12-NS composite by performing multiple electrolysis cycles.
[0046] 9. Formulation and Conditions:
? Optimization: Optimize the niosome formulation, electrode preparation methods, and electrochemical conditions to maximize H2O2 production and disinfection efficiency.
? Scalability: Explore the scalability of the process for larger-scale applications, including industrial H2O2 production and municipal water treatment systems.
[0047] This flowchart provides a comprehensive overview of the process from material selection and niosome formation to application in H2O2 production and water disinfection, along with characterization, optimization, and scalability considerations.
[0048] The working of the present disclosure is as such that it involves the synthesis and application of a niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite as an electrocatalyst for the electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and water disinfection. Below is a stepwise working procedure, from synthesis to application:
[0049] Step 1: Preparation of Niosome Encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) Composite
1.1 Selection of Materials:
• Surfactants: Select non-ionic surfactants such as Span 60 and Tween 60.
• Hydration Medium: Prepare an aqueous solution containing Vitamin B12.
1.2 Formation of Niosomes:
Thin Film Hydration Method:
• Dissolution: Dissolve Span 60 and Tween 60 in a suitable organic solvent (e.g., chloroform) in a round-bottom flask.
• Evaporation: Evaporate the solvent under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator to form a thin film of surfactants on the inner wall of the flask.
• Hydration: Hydrate the thin film with the aqueous Vitamin B12 solution at a controlled temperature (typically 60°C) with gentle agitation to form multilamellar niosomes.
1.3 Size Reduction:
Sonication or Extrusion: Sonicate the niosome suspension using a probe sonicator to reduce the size of the niosomes. Alternatively, pass the suspension through a membrane extruder with defined pore sizes to achieve uniform nanosized niosomes.
[0050] Step 2: Characterization of Vit B12-NS Composite
2.1 Size and Morphology: Use dynamic light scattering (DLS) to determine the particle size distribution. Employ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize the morphology of the niosomes.
2.2 Encapsulation Efficiency: Measure the encapsulation efficiency of Vitamin B12 within the niosomes using UV-Vis spectrophotometry by determining the amount of free Vitamin B12 in the supernatant after centrifugation.
2.3 Electrochemical Properties: Perform cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) to assess the electrochemical stability and catalytic activity of the Vit B12-NS composite for the ORR.
[0051] Step 3: Electrode Preparation
3.1 Electrode Coating:
• Prepare a suspension of the Vit B12-NS composite in a suitable solvent (e.g., ethanol).
• Drop-cast the suspension onto a conductive substrate such as carbon cloth, graphite, or glassy carbon electrode.
• Allow the solvent to evaporate, leaving a uniform coating of the Vit B12-NS composite on the electrode surface.
3.2 Drying and Sintering: Dry the coated electrode under ambient conditions or in an oven at a low temperature to ensure good adhesion of the composite to the substrate.
[0052] Step 4: Electrochemical Production of H2O2
4.1 Electrochemical Cell Setup:
• Assemble an electrochemical cell with the following components:
• Working Electrode: Vit B12-NS composite-coated electrode.
• Counter Electrode: Platinum or graphite electrode.
• Reference Electrode: Ag/AgCl or saturated calomel electrode (SCE).
• Electrolyte: An aqueous solution of potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7) or another suitable electrolyte.
4.2 Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR):
• Saturate the electrolyte solution with oxygen by bubbling O2 gas through it.
• Apply a suitable potential (e.g., -0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl) to the working electrode to initiate the ORR.
• Monitor the current response to evaluate the electrocatalytic activity and efficiency of H2O2 production.
[0053] Step 5: Water Disinfection Application
5.1 Preparation of Contaminated Water Samples: Contaminate water samples with a known concentration of the XL1-Blue strain of E. coli.
5.2 Disinfection Process:
• Place the contaminated water samples in the electrochemical cell.
• Operate the cell under the same conditions as described for H2O2 production for 20 minutes.
• During electrolysis, H2O2 generated in situ disinfects the water by killing bacterial contaminants.
5.3 Verification of Disinfection:
• After treatment, take samples of the water and plate them on nutrient agar plates.
• Incubate the plates at 37°C for 24 hours.
• Count the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) to assess the effectiveness of disinfection.
[0054] 6.1 Performance Analysis:
• Evaluate the faradaic efficiency and yield of H2O2 produced.
• Assess the stability and reusability of the Vit B12-NS composite by performing multiple electrolysis cycles.
6.2 Optimization: Optimize the niosome formulation, electrode preparation methods, and electrochemical conditions to maximize H2O2 production and disinfection efficiency.
6.3 Scalability: Explore the scalability of the process for larger-scale applications, including industrial H2O2 production and municipal water treatment systems.
[0055] The niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite represents a significant advancement in electrocatalysis, providing a biocompatible, bio-renewable, and efficient solution for the electrochemical production of H2O2 and water disinfection. This detailed stepwise process outlines the preparation, characterization, application, and optimization of the Vit B12-NS composite, demonstrating its potential to address critical industrial and environmental challenges.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. An electrocatalyst composite for the electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), comprising:
? a niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite, wherein the niosomes are formed from non-ionic surfactants, and Vitamin B12 is encapsulated within the niosomes.
2. The electrocatalyst composite as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-ionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of Span 60 and Tween 60.
3. The electrocatalyst composite as claimed in claim 1, wherein the niosomes have a particle size in the range of 50 to 200 nanometres.
4. A method for producing a niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite, comprising:
? dissolving non-ionic surfactants in an organic solvent,
? evaporating the organic solvent to form a thin film of surfactants,
? hydrating the thin film with an aqueous solution containing Vitamin B12 to form niosomes encapsulating Vitamin B12, and
? reducing the size of the niosomes to the desired range.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, further comprising sonication or extrusion to achieve a uniform particle size of the niosomes.
6. An electrode for electrochemical reactions, comprising:
? a conductive substrate, and
? a coating of the niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite on the conductive substrate.
7. The electrode of claim 6, wherein the conductive substrate is selected from the group consisting of carbon cloth, graphite, and glassy carbon.
8. A method for electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), comprising:
? providing an electrochemical cell with a working electrode coated with the niosome encapsulated Vitamin B12 (Vit B12-NS) composite,
? introducing an electrolyte solution into the cell,
? saturating the electrolyte solution with oxygen, and
? applying a potential to the working electrode to reduce oxygen and produce hydrogen peroxide.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electrolyte solution is an aqueous solution of potassium phosphate buffer with a pH of approximately 7.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the applied potential is in the range of -0.3 V to -0.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl.