Electrocatalytic H2O2 generation for disinfection

Epidemics are threatening public health and social development. Emerging as a green disinfectant, H2O2 can prevent the breakout of epidemics in migration. Electrochemical H2O2 production powered by renewable electricity provides a clean and decentralized solution for on-site disinfection. This review firstly discussed the efficacy of H2O2 in disinfection. Then necessary fundamental principles are summarized to gain insight into electrochemical H2O2 production. The focus is on exploring pathways to realize a highly efficient H2O2 production. Progress in advanced electrocatalysts, typically single-atom catalysts for the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e(-) ORR), are highlighted to provide high H2O2 selectivity design strategies. Finally, a rational design of electrode and electrolytic cells is outlined to realize the on-site disinfection. Overall, this critical review contributes to exploiting the potentials and constraints of electrochemical H2O2 generation in disinfection and pinpoints future research directions required for implementation. (c) 2021, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Efficient production of hydrogen peroxide can prevent epidemics and provide an environmentally-friendly solution for on-site disinfection. The review discusses the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide in disinfection and highlights key factors for achieving efficient production. Future research should focus on advanced electrocatalysts and electrolytic cell design.