A Review on Challenges and Successes in Atomic-Scale Design of Catalysts for Electrochemical Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a valuable chemical oxidant with a wide range of applications in a variety of industrial processes, especially in water sanitization. Electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) through a two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e-ORR) or a two-electron water oxidation reaction (2e-WOR) has emerged as an appealing process for onsite production of this chemically valuable oxidant. On-site produced H₂O₂ can be applied for wastewater treatment in remote locations or any applications where H₂O₂ is needed as an oxidizing agent. This Review studies the theoretical efforts in understanding the challenges in catalysis for electrochemical synthesis of H₂O₂ as well as providing design principles for more efficient catalyst materials.