A microbial peroxide producing cell (MPPC) for H O production at the cathode was systematically optimized with minimal energy input. First, the stability of H O was evaluated using different catholytes, membranes, and catalyst materials. On the basis of these results, a flat-plate MPPC fed continuously using 200 mm NaCl catholyte at a 4 h hydraulic retention time was designed and operated, producing H O for 18 days. H O concentration of 3.1 g L H O with 1.1 Wh g H O power input was achieved in the MPPC. The high H O concentration was a result of the optimum materials selected. The small energy input was largely the result of the 0.5 cm distance between the anode and cathode, which reduced ionic transport losses. However, >50 % of operational overpotentials were due to the 4.5-5 pH unit difference between the anode and cathode chambers. The results demonstrate that a MPPC can continuously produce H O at high concentration by selecting compatible materials and appropriate operating conditions.
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