Zn-O-Sn covalency interface governs the intrinsic activity of the Zn2SnO4/SnO2 heterostructure for boosting hydrogen peroxide production

Abstract

Electrocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from oxygen is vital for sustainable clean fuel. Developing highly active, stable, and inexpensive catalysts for H2O2 remains a top priority but is still challenging. In this study, an atomic-shared heterointerface was constructed between Zn2SnO4 and SnO2 via a self-templating co-precipitation method. Theoretical and experimental analysis confirms the delocalization effects of electrons within the Zn2SnO4/SnO2 spinel structure. The resulting Zn-O-Sn bridge (asymmetric sites) modulates electronic transport at the interface, and the intensified Zn-O bond facilitates proton adsorption and transfer kinetics. Moreover, strong interface coupling between Zn2SnO4 and SnO2 enhances electron transfer, which effectively promotes the *OOH intermediate favorable for H2O2 production, boosting H2O2 selectivity of nearly 97 %. The high production rate of 8.19 mol gcat−1 h−1 and excellent stability during long-term operation over 24 h. This work provides strategic insights into developing efficient H2O2 catalysts and other catalytic applications.