Catalytically active carbon for electrochemical production of H2O2via 2e− ORR: design strategies, catalytic mechanisms, and application potential

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) serves as a versatile green oxidant with extensive applications in industrial production, environmental remediation, and advanced energy technologies. While the anthraquinone process remains the dominant industrial method, its high energy consumption and complex operational procedures have driven the development of more sustainable synthesis approaches. The electrochemical synthesis route based on the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e⁻ ORR) has emerged as an attractive alternative because of its mild reaction conditions, straightforward operation, and excellent compatibility with renewable energy systems. However, this method still faces critical challenges in product selectivity, reaction kinetics, and long-term catalyst stability during practical applications. Catalytically active carbon (CAC) materials have become promising candidates to replace precious metal catalysts owing to their cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and tunable material properties. This study systematically summarizes recent advances in the applications of emerging CAC for 2e⁻ ORR. Fundamental investigations elucidate the competitive mechanisms between 2e⁻ and 4e⁻ pathways, establishing critical correlations between electronic configurations at active sites and catalytic selectivity. Advanced strategies for material design are discussed, including controlled defect generation, heteroatom doping, and atomic-scale metal coordination approaches. Practical applications are comprehensively evaluated across sustainable chemical production, environmental treatment technologies, and next-generation energy conversion platforms.