Efficient industrial-current-density H2O2 production in neutral medium via external-shell boron regulation on single-atom VN4 sites

Abstract

The unamiable electrolyte environment and insufficient kinetics of electrochemical two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e− ORR) hinders its application in producing H2O2. To address this issue, nitrogen-coordinated single atom vanadium with external shell boron regulation is designed for efficient H2O2 production in neutral medium. The optimal catalyst VN4B/NC showcase a 2e− ORR pathway selectivity of 96.6 % in 0.1 M Na2SO4. And the high current density (1.1 A cm−2) and excellent production rate (16.23 mmol cm−1 h−1) in flow cell further confirm its superior activity. Moreover, VN4B/NC exhibits potential application in solid electrolyte reactor, which is demonstrated by the production rate of 10.18 mmol cm−1 h−1 and long-term stability up to 100 h. Mechanism study suggest the external shell B regulation optimize the adsorption of OOH* intermediates on V sites, boosting the 2e− ORR pathway. This work provides novel insights to rational design of electrocatalysts for commodity chemicals production.