Research progress of electrocatalysts for the preparation of H2O2 by electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction

As an eco-friendly oxidant and energy carrier, H2O2 is used in various fields. The industrial production of H2O2 mostly depends on the large-scale anthraquinone oxidation processes with high costs. Electrocatalytic production of H2O2 has attracted attention as a renewable and cost-effective approach to replace traditional ones. With the recent development of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, remarkable progress in electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic H2O2 production by 2e(-) ORR has been reported. This review summarizes a detailed overview of the recent progress in 2e(-) ORR for H2O2 production with the mechanism and various efficient catalysts. The catalysts were divided into three parts: noble metal-based catalyst, non-noble metal-based catalyst, and non-metal-based catalyst. The influences of the catalytic activity and selectivity were also discussed. Finally, this review explores the prospects of electrocatalytic 2e(-) ORR for H2O2 synthesis and potential research directions for electrocatalysts. It aims to offer guidance in designing efficient 2e(-) ORR electrocatalysts and inspire further innovation in electrocatalytic H2O2 synthesis.