Recent Progress of Transition Metal Selenides for Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide: From Catalyst Design to Electrolyzers Application

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a highly value-added and environmental-friendly chemical with various applications. The production of H₂O₂ by electrocatalytic 2e^- oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has emerged as a promising alternative to the energy-intensive anthraquinone process. High selectivity Catalysts combining with superior activity are critical for the efficient electrosynthesis of H₂O₂. Earth-abundant transition metal selenides (TMSs) being discovered as a classic of stable, low-cost, highly active and selective catalysts for electrochemical 2e^- ORR. These features come from the relatively large atomic radius of selenium element, the metal-like properties and the abundant reserves. Moreover, compared with the advanced noble metal or single-atom catalysts, the kinetic current density of TMSs for H₂O₂ generation is higher in acidic solution, which enable them to become suitable catalyst candidates. Herein, the recent progress of TMSs for ORR to H₂O₂ is systematically reviewed. The effects of TMSs electrocatalysts on the activity, selectivity and stability of ORR to H₂O₂ are summarized. It is intended to provide an insight from catalyst design and corresponding reaction mechanisms to the device setup, and to discuss the relationship between structure and activity.