Fundamental principles and environmental applications of electrochemical hydrogen peroxide production: A review

At present, large-scale hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production is mainly produced via anthraquinone process, which is subject to challenges in transport and storage. Direct electrochemical hydrogen peroxide production (EHPP), a promising alternative to solve the aforementioned issues, has been explored over the past decades, driven by fabricating novel electrode materials with unique catalytic properties, as well as exhibiting outstanding performance in terms of high activity and selectivity toward H2O2 and maintaining long-term stability. Here, we first reviewed the historical development of EHPP, followed by outlining current advances in this promising technology with particular attention given to criteria for rational design (e.g., density functional theory calculation guided by computational simulation), electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and water oxidation reaction via two-electron pathway. Finally, we conclude this state-of-the-art review by considering reactor configurations from in-situ EHPP to on-site practical environmental applications, as well as discussing the challenges that should be addressed in the future.