Hydrogen Peroxide Day am KIT

The latest advancements in hydrogen peroxide research were the central theme of a one-day workshop held at KIT Campus North on March 3, 2026. The event was jointly organized by the DFG-funded Research Unit FOR5715 HyPerCat (Bridging Concepts in Thermo- and Electro-Hydrogen Peroxide Catalysis) and the European Green SWaP (Green Solar-to-Propellant Water Propulsion) Project. Chaired by Prof. Dr. Silke Behrens (IKFT) and Dr. Alexander Navarrete Muñoz (IMVT), the H₂O₂ Day attracted more than 40 KIT-internal and external participants.
In recent years, hydrogen peroxide has attracted significant interest as a green oxidant, and its market share has steadily increased. Therefore, understanding and optimizing production pathways is of great interest, as reflected by multiple initiatives worldwide dedicated to this field, including HyPerCat and Green SwaP. 
By bringing together two H₂O₂-centered research projects with different aims and focuses, the H₂O₂ Day served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among the involved researchers. Additionally, four international speakers from academia and industry also shared their experience in invited lectures.
Clearly, there is significant interest in hydrogen peroxide. This was also evident during the expert panel discussion at the end of the event. Several new production technologies are currently being developed in addition to established industrial processes. Each technology has its own advantages, however, there are also unresolved challenges. Further research on catalyst systems and process parameters is clearly needed to promote direct hydrogen peroxide synthesis. HyPerCat and Green SWaP are prepared to contribute to these efforts.