Green Hydrogen Peroxide: Advances of Electrocatalytic Generation and Applications in High-Value Chemical Conversion.

Abstract

The development of environmentally friendly oxidants has emerged as a prominent topic in the fields of green chemistry and chemical engineering. This review comprehensively examines the sustainable production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) via electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and its applications in green chemical synthesis. H₂O₂, known as a green oxidant, is generated through the 2e^- ORR pathway using various catalysts, including noble metals, carbon-based materials, single-atom catalysts, and transition metal oxides. This method offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional H₂O₂ production, enabling in situ synthesis without organic waste. The review highlights the direct role of H₂O₂ in promoting chemical transformations, such as the oxidation of alkenes to epoxides and alcohols to carbonyl compounds. Additionally, it explores the indirect application of H₂O₂ through its decomposition into hydroxyl radicals (•OH) in Fenton reactions, which drive selective oxidation and degradation processes. These applications demonstrate the versatility of H₂O₂ in advancing green chemistry by facilitating eco-friendly oxidation reactions and pollutant degradation. Future work focuses on improving catalyst stability and scalability for industrial use, further enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of H₂O₂-based chemical processes.