Tailoring the Electrochemical Production of H2O2: Strategies for the Rational Design of High ‐Performance Electrocatalysts

The production of H2O2 via selective electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction is an attractive strategy toward decentralization, however, this technology is currently limited by the discovery of a high ‐performance electrocatalyst. Here, the current frontiers in catalyst development are discussed, highlighting future strategies toward a more dramatic enhancement in catalyst performance. AbstractThe production of H2O2 via the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) presents an attractive decentralized alternative to the current industry ‐dominant anthraquinone process. However, in order to achieve viable commercialization of this process, a state‐of‐the‐art electrocatalyst exhibiting high activity, selectivity, and long‐term stability is imperative for industrial applications. Herein, an in‐depth discussion on the curre nt frontiers in electrocatalyst design is provided, emphasizing the influences of electronic and geometric effects, surface structure, and the effects of heteroatom functionalization on the catalytic performance of commonly studied materials (metals, alloys, carbons). The limitations on the performa nce of the current catalyst materials are also discussed, together with alternative strategies to overcome the impediments. Finally, directions of future research efforts for the discovery of next‐generation ORR electrocatalysts are highlighted.

Source: Small - September 19, 2019 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Jiayi Zhang, Haochen Zhang, Mu ‐Jeng Cheng, Qi Lu Tags: Review Source Type: research