Engineering 2D Photocatalysts for Solar Hydrogen Peroxide Production

Abstract

Solar energy can be utilized in photocatalysis technology to realize light‐driven hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, a green chemical synthesis route. Designing high‐performance photocatalysts is critical to achieving practical solar H2O2 production. During the past decade, significant research progress is made in photocatalytic materials for H2O2 production. Particularly 2D materials‐based photocatalysts stand out due to their unique physical and chemical properties. This review highlights the intricate relationship between 2D material innovation and photochemical H2O2 production. It starts with the fundamental principles of photochemical H2O2 generation, focusing on crucial steps such as photon absorption, carrier dynamics, surface reactions, and the challenges that 2D materials can solve at each step. Then, various 2D materials‐based photocatalysts for solar H2O2 production are introduced in detail. Engineering strategies to optimize the photocatalytic performance are discussed afterward. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities for designing 2D materials‐based photocatalysts for solar H2O2 production are outlined. This review is expected to inspire the engineering of 2D materials‐based photocatalysts for the green synthesis of H2O2 and the conversion of solar energy to other chemicals.

Recent advancements in graphitic carbon nitride based direct Z- and S-scheme heterostructures for photocatalytic H2O2 production

“…22e). 189 In this scenario, solar energy is effectively harnessed and stored in the form of H 2 O 2 through photosynthesis. Conversely, when employing a hole scavenger, like organic alcohols, in the oxidation half-reaction (seen in eqn (15)), the production of H 2 O 2 shifts to a photocatalytic process.…”

“…22e). 189 In such photocatalytic processes, while solar light speeds up the reaction, it does not result in the storage of solar energy. 189 It is important to note that the terms “photosynthesis” and “photocatalytic” are often used interchangeably to describe the H 2 O 2 generation reaction.…”

Fast Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Generation by Singlet Oxygen-Engaged Sequential Excitation Energy and Electron-Transfer Process

“…6−11 Progress of the photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production has been made in the past decade; however, the relatively slow generation rate and low concentration of H 2 O 2 limit its wide range applications. 8,12 Thereby, developing highly active photocatalysts and exploring new reaction pathways demand pushing these boundaries.…”

“…Considering the essential role of H 2 O 2 in industry, developing sustainable approaches for the synthesis of H 2 O 2 is desirable. Light-driven photocatalysis offers a sustainable and potentially viable route for onsite H 2 O 2 production from oxygen (O 2 ) and or water (H 2 O) by photoinduced redox reactions under ambient conditions. − Progress of the photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production has been made in the past decade; however, the relatively slow generation rate and low concentration of H 2 O 2 limit its wide range applications. , Thereby, developing highly active photocatalysts and exploring new reaction pathways demand pushing these boundaries.…”

Ultrafast Hole Preservation with Undercoordinated Tungsten for Efficient Solar-to-Chemical Conversion

“…However, their large band gap ( E g ) hinders visible light absorption. g-C 3 N 4 substrates offer high total H 2 O 2 production levels and a versatile platform for materials engineering; however, their electron-deficient structure results in lower H 2 O 2 production rates compared to TiO 2 -based materials. ,− Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), characterized by ordered or cross-linked structures, have garnered attention for their pore-size tunability, substantial surface area, and reactive metal centers. − Moreover, MOFs contain a lower concentration of toxic noble metal with high material cost. While MOFs show promise in various applications, a well-crystallized structure is deemed critical for superior performance, according to Férey .…”