Electrocatalysis for sustainable production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)

The current industrial production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) relies predominantly on the anthraquinone process, a mature but energy-intensive, complex technology associated with significant CO2 emissions. In the context of the energy transition and sustainable chemistry, water electrolysis emerges as a promising alternative, enabling the coupled production of hydrogen at the cathode and H2O2 at the anode in a decentralized, flexible, and potentially low-carbon manner when powered by renewable electricity. However, this innovative route faces a major scientific bottleneck: the identification of anodic catalysts that are simultaneously stable, cost-effective, and selective toward H2O2 formation, in competition with the thermodynamically favored oxygen evolution reaction.
This challenge is at the core of the PhD project which aims to synthetize, understand, and optimize new selective electrocatalysts through a rational and multi-technique approach. Based on previous works, the PhD candidate will synthesize metallic oxide and hydroxide nanomaterials deposited on conductive supports (such as FTO), with an in-depth focus on adhesion, and stability through various surface treatments (chemical functionalization, plasma cleaning). The existing electrochemical setup will be optimized to maximize H2O2 production under different operating conditions. The active phases will be investigated using a wide range of advanced characterization techniques (XRD, TEM, EPR, XPS, XAS, and in situ Raman spectroscopy), combined with electrochemical analyses to improve the understanding of the resulting electrocatalytic properties. In parallel, quantum molecular modeling (DFT) will be employed to compute chemical descriptors within families of synthesized materials, with the aim of establishing structure–activity relationships and rationalizing the observed electrocatalytic trends.
The ultimate goal is to identify high-performance, durable catalysts for the electrochemical production of H₂O₂, compatible with future electrolysis technologies coupled to low-carbon hydrogen generation.
This thesis will be integrated within the scientific program of the Joint Research Laboratory ERACLECE between IFPEN and the Chemistry Laboratory of ENS de Lyon. The PhD student will benefit from the complementary expertise (synthesis, characterization, modeling) of the two laboratories.

Keywords: water electrolysis, H2O2, metal oxide catalysts    

• Thesis Director    Dr. Pascal RAYBAUD, IFPEN. ORCID : 0000-0003-4506-5062 - https://www.ifpenergiesnouvelles.com/page/pascal-raybaud 
• LCH co-supervisor    Drs. Frédéric Chaput et Frédéric Lerouge, LCH-ENS de Lyon.  
• IFPEN co-supervisor    Dr. Audrey Bonduelle, ORCID : 0000-0001-8430-0964 - https://www.ifpenergiesnouvelles.fr/page/audrey-bonduelle 
• Doctoral School    Ecole Doctorale de chimie de Lyon (ED 206), ENS Lyon
• PhD location    IFP Energies nouvelles (Solaize) and ENS de Lyon, France
• Duration and start date    3 years, starting in autumn 2026
• Employer    IFP Energies nouvelles
• Academic requirements    Master degree in Catalysis or Materials Science. Knowledge of electrochemistry is an asset. Strong motivation for theoretical chemistry
• Language requirements    English level B2 (CEFR), willingness to learn French

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to the following email addresses: