A mini review on topographical and structural insight of metal carbides for electrocatalytic hydrogen peroxide detection

Hydrogen peroxide holds a position of immense significance, serving as both a fundamental biomolecule and an essential industrial commodity, while also being a potential environmental pollutant and a crucial component in the creation of homemade peroxo-explosives. The omnipresence of hydrogen peroxide has spurred continual and long-standing research efforts to develop highly efficient, sensitive, and selective catalysts for its precise detection. Recently, there has been a noticeable shift in focus towards metal carbides, which constitute a cost-effective and highly efficient group of catalysts for electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide. The catalytic prowess of these carbides is often linked to the presence of metal–carbon bonds, which, as indicated by DFT calculations, influence the electron d-band of the metal, rendering it comparable to that of platinum. This brief review aims to provide an initial and comprehensive exploration of the role of metal carbides in the field of electrochemistry. It is intended to offer valuable insights that can guide readers in the development of innovative metal carbide applications. The review delves into the structural, compositional, and morphological aspects of metal carbides and their significance in electrochemical applications. In conclusion, this review underscores that the morphology, structure, and composition of metal carbides all play intricately interconnected roles in determining the overall excellence of any given catalyst.