Efficient photocatalytic H2O2 production and green oxidation of glycerol over a SrCoO3-incorporated catalyst

Photocatalysis for H2O2 production suffers from low carrier utilization and slow reaction kinetics. Herein, a photocatalytic system supported by a SrCoO3-MoS2 (SCOS) heterojunction, which possessed a unique S-O electron transport channel, was proposed to facilitate H2O2 production under condition where glycerol served as a sacrificial agent. The SCOS heterojunction achieved a remarkable yield of 15.90 mmol g(-1) h(-1) H2O2 production, 3.7 times higher than the base component SCO. The construction of the heterojunction enriched the oxygen vacancies on the catalyst surface, facilitated photogenerated charge separation, and promoted the adsorption of O-2, reducing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) energy barrier. Besides, glycerol served as a unique proton donor, efficiently captured holes to enhance H2O2 production, and generated valuable by-products including glyceric acid and dihydroxyacetone. Furthermore, SCOS exhibited excellent stability over repeated cycles with consistent H2O2 yields. This study offers an efficient photocatalytic system and demonstrates glycerol's potential in green oxidation processes.