Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide: Principles, Catalyst Design and Performance

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a high-demand organic chemical reagent and has been widely used in various modern industrial applications. Currently, the prominent method for the preparation of H2O2 is the anthraquinone oxidation. Unfortunately, it is not conducive to economic and sustainable development since it is a complex process and involves unfriendly environment and potential hazards. In this context, numerous approaches have been developed to synthesize H2O2. Among them, photo/electro-catalytic ones are considered as two of the most promising manners for on-site synthesis of H2O2. These alternatives are sustainable in that only water or O2 is required. Namely, water oxidation (WOR) or oxygen reduction (ORR) reactions can be further coupled with clean and sustainable energy. For photo/electro-catalytic reactions for H2O2 generation, the design of the catalysts is extremely important and has been extensively conducted with an aim to obtain ultimate catalytic performance. This article overviews the basic principles of WOR and ORR, followed by the summary of recent progresses and achievements on the design and performance of various photo/electro-catalysts for H2O2 generation. The related mechanisms for these approaches are highlighted from theoretical and experimental aspects. Scientific challenges and opportunities of engineering photo/electro-catalysts for H2O2 generation are also outlined and discussed.

Optimal MEA structure and operating conditions for fuel cell reactors with hydrogen peroxide and power cogeneration

“…High energy consumption and organic waste generation make H 2 O 2 produced this way costly, making the process incompatible with sustainable development. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a green and economical method for H 2 O 2 generation [8][9][10][11].…”

Sustainable photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from catechol-formaldehyde resin microspheres modulated by nitrogen-doped carbon dots

“…Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) has successfully become an environmentally friendly oxidizer that can be used in organic synthesis, 1 environmental remediation, 2 and medical industries 3,4 because it does not produce toxic components. The demand for H 2 O 2 as a disinfectant skyrocketed as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world.…”

Layered Metal Chalcogenide ZnIn2S4 Anchored with Nickel Metal Dots for Efficient Photocatalytic Production of Hydrogen Peroxide and Degradation of Sulfamethoxazole

“…At present, environmental pollution and an energy shortage are the two major challenges facing the world. Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), as an economical, environmentally friendly, and promising oxidizer, has been widely used in the environment, medicines, and chemical industry. − The excellent performance and widespread application have led to an increasing demand for it. − At present, the main methods for large-scale production of H 2 O 2 are the electrochemical synthesis , and anthraquinone process method . However, the above methods typically involve organic solvents, high energy consumption, severe pollution, and complex methods and pose an explosion risk, making them difficult to consider as green methods.…”