Prospects and Promises in Two-Electron Water Oxidation for Hydrogen Peroxide Generation

Abstract

A key oxidizing agent for the chemical industry, wastewater treatment, and semiconductor development is hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). Electrochemical (EC) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) production of H 2 O 2 syntheses have been studied as promising alternatives to the unsustainable anthraquinone oxidation process and the H 2 and O 2 direct gas synthesis route. While cathodic O 2 reduction to produce H 2 O 2 draws more extensive attention than anodic water oxidation due to the higher obtained indicator of Faraday efficiency and production rate of H 2 O 2 , however, in the long term, using water as a raw material for water oxidation is a desirable procedure for the sustainable development of H 2 O 2 production. To inspire innovative ideas for boosting the H 2 O 2 yield in photo/electrocatalysis, we review recent advancements in EC/PEC H 2 O 2 production from experimental and computational points of view. The fundamental mechanism of the process, rational design of the electrode, and advanced engineering strategies for enhancement of H 2 O 2 production via a two-electron water oxidation reaction (2e − WOR) are thoroughly summarized. Furthermore, we discuss the hindrances and challenges of 2e − WOR, including all intermediates and competing reaction routes, integrate tandem device development, and the H 2 O 2 degradation issues for better addressing. 2e − WOR enables more excellent H 2 O 2 production rates with optimal efficiency.

2023 Pioneers in Energy Research: Shizhang Qiao

“…Lastly, seven papers (4 reviews and 3 articles) cover a broad range of other topics. Wang et al reviewed recent advancements for boosting the H 2 O 2 yield in photo/electrocatalysis from experimental and computational points of view. The fundamental mechanism of the process, rational design of the electrode, and advanced engineering strategies for the enhancement of H 2 O 2 production via a two-electron water oxidation reaction (2e – WOR) are discussed.…”

Recent Advancement in Piezopolarization Induced Photocatalytic H2O2 Production: Fundamentals, Theoretical Insights, and Future Endeavors

“…Hydrogen peroxide is considered to be one of the most used chemical and eco-friendly oxidants, having widespread applications varying from fuel cells to wastewater treatment. − As per the survey, its annual global production is about 4 million metric tons in 2020, which will reach 5.7 mt by 2027 . However, the industrial scale production to satisfy the growing demand is met by the so-called anthraquinone method.…”

Cobalt–Copper-Embedded Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanostructures Derived from Zeolite Imidazolate Frameworks as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

“…The demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to increase with increasing fossil fuel consumption. , Therefore, advanced research on energy generation and utilization technologies is crucial for a safe and sustainable future. − The electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential for energy conversion and storage in devices such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries. − Despite the widespread use of Pt-based catalysts, their high cost, limited durability, and low methanol tolerance require the development of optimal materials for ORR catalysts. − Hence, researchers have focused on the development of carbon-based ORR catalysts with high ORR catalytic activity as alternatives to Pt. Nanostructures based on graphene or oxidized graphene and carbon-based catalysts doped with heteroatoms are at the forefront of this research effort.…”

“…The demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to increase with increasing fossil fuel consumption. 1 , 2 Therefore, advanced research on energy generation and utilization technologies is crucial for a safe and sustainable future. 3 − 5 The electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential for energy conversion and storage in devices such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries.…”