Single-atom catalysts in the catalytic production of H2O2

Abstract

: As an eco-friendly oxidant, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has been extensively applied in many fields, such as chemical synthesis, waste water purification, medical sterilization, paper manufacture and so on. H₂O₂ production also suffers from various shortcomings, including bad stability and low yield. Because of the extraordinary catalytic activity of H₂O₂ photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, single atom catalysts (SACs) have received considerable attention in recent years. With SACs’ distinct benefits, SACs holds a significant place in the production of H₂O₂. It is extensively applicable to diverse reaction pathways, such as photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, which offer novel insights and a wide range of possibilities for the effective and environmentally friendly synthesis of H₂O₂. Appropriately reviewing and summarizing the previous and current findings is essential to advancing the study's depth. Therefore, this review emphasizes the recent progress of SACs employed for photocatalytic and electrocatalytic production of H₂O₂. It first presents the mechanism and benefits of SACs in the catalytic production of H₂O₂. Next, based on the various benefits that SACs embody in the catalytic production of H₂O₂, an overview of SACs systems for H₂O₂ production is provided, with a focus on the modulation of adsorption capacity by SACs and the inhibition of side reactions. Lastly, some difficulties of photocatalytic and electrocatalytic production of H₂O₂ by SACs are depicted, and future directions of development are envisioned.