Single-atom catalysts for the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is widely used as an environmentally friendly oxidant and plays an important role in a range of applications, including chemical synthesis, wastewater treatment, medical disinfection, and papermaking. Compared to the conventional anthraquinone process for the preparation of H2O2, the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic production of H2O2 has the advantages of simple and controllable operating conditions and non-polluting reaction products, which is one of the most essential ideal means for H2O2 production. Among them, single-atom catalysts (SACs) with maximal atom utilization and special unsaturated coordination environments have attracted considerable attention because of their excellent catalytic performance in the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic production of H2O2. Subsequently, recent progress in H2O2 production based on photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activity is presented in this review. First, the working mechanisms and advantages of SACs for the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic production of H2O2 were presented. Second, we combined density functional theory calculations and advanced characterization techniques to introduce SAC systems for H2O2 production. Finally, the future directions of SACs for photocatalytic and electrocatalytic H2O2 production are discussed. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is widely used as an environmentally friendly oxidant and the production via the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic methods using single-atom catalysts (SACs) has advantages of simple and controllable conditions and non-polluting reaction products. The review discusses the mechanisms and advantages of SACs, presents recent progress in H2O2 production, and explores future directions for SACs in photocatalytic and electrocatalytic H2O2 production.