Perspectives on Carbon-Based Catalysts for the Two-Electron Oxygen Reduction Reaction for Electrochemical Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide: A Minireview

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an extremely important chemical used in a range of industry and healthcare fields, including disinfection, bleaching, and water treatment. Electrocatalytic H2O2 production via the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e–-ORR) is a promising alternative to the energy-intensive and high-pollution anthraquinone oxidation process. However, developing advanced electrocatalysts with a high H2O2 yield, selectivity, and durability is still challenging because the synthesis of catalysts with precise atomic level structures is very difficult. This paper reviews the research and progress on the preparation of H2O2 by 2e–-ORR from carbon-based materials in recent years, aiming to help design low-cost and high-performance 2e–-ORR catalysts.