Non-precious metal electrocatalysts for two-electron oxygen electrochemistry: Mechanisms, progress, and outlooks

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a valuable chemical for a wide variety of applications. The environmentally friendly production route of the electrochemical reduction of O-2 to H2O2 has become an attractive alternative to the traditional anthraquinone process. The efficiency of electrosynthesis process depends considerably on the availability of cost-effective catalysts with high selectivity, activity, and stability. Currently, there are many outstanding issues in the preparation of highly selective catalysts, the exploration of the interface electrolysis environment, and the construction of electrolysis devices, which have led to extensive research efforts. Distinct from the existing few comprehensive review articles on H2O2 production by two-electron oxygen reduction, the present review first explains the principle of the oxygen reduction reaction and then highlights recent advances in the regulation and control strategies of different types of catalysts. Key factors of electrode structure and device design are discussed. In addition, we highlight the promising co-production combination of this system with renewable energy or energy storage systems. This review can help introduce the potential of oxygen reduction electrochemical production of high-flux H2O2 to the commercial market.(C) 2021 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.