Recent Progress of Electrochemical Production of Hydrogen Peroxide by Two-Electron Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Abstract

Shifting electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) via two‐electron pathway becomes increasingly crucial as an alternative/green method for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation. Here, the development of 2e− ORR catalysts in recent years is reviewed, in aspects of reaction mechanism exploration, types of high‐performance catalysts, factors to influence catalytic performance, and potential applications of 2e− ORR. Based on the previous theoretical and experimental studies, the underlying 2e− ORR catalytic mechanism is firstly unveiled, in aspect of reaction pathway, thermodynamic free energy diagram, limiting potential, and volcano plots. Then, various types of efficient catalysts for producing H2O2 via 2e− ORR pathway are summarized. Additionally, the catalytic active sites and factors to influence catalysts’ performance, such as electronic structure, carbon defect, functional groups (O, N, B, S, F etc.), synergistic effect, and others (pH, pore structure, steric hindrance effect, etc.) are discussed. The H2O2 electrogeneration via 2e− ORR also has various potential applications in wastewater treatment, disinfection, organics degradation, and energy storage. Finally, potential future directions and prospects in 2e− ORR catalysts for electrochemically producing H2O2 are examined. These insights may help develop highly active/selective 2e− ORR catalysts and shape the potential application of this electrochemical H2O2 producing method.