Aspects in cell design for H2O2 electrosynthesis and its integration in tandem systems

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an environment-friendly oxidant with wide applications in daily life and the chemical industry. The electrochemical production of H₂O₂ through the two-electron oxygen reduction (2e⁻ ORR) process has the advantages of high safety, high energy-efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Prior investigations predominantly concentrated on the intrinsic properties of the catalysts, rather than the performance of the electrodes in real reactors. In this review, the aspects in cell design for H₂O₂ electrosynthesis will be discussed, including the surface and interface modifications for the carbon electrodes, and the reaction system design for practical H₂O₂ electrosynthesis, highlighting the critical needs in electrodes and reactors to enhance 2e⁻ ORR performance. Additionally, this review will cover the applications of 2e⁻ ORR integrated tandem systems for chemical synthesis. Finally, current challenges and prospects for future studies in H₂O₂ electrosynthesis will be presented.