Recent Progress of Transition Metal Selenides for Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide: From Catalyst Design to Electrolyzers Application

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a highly value‐added and environmental‐friendly chemical with various applications. The production of H2O2 by electrocatalytic 2e− oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has emerged as a promising alternative to the energy‐intensive anthraquinone process. High selectivity Catalysts combining with superior activity are critical for the efficient electrosynthesis of H2O2. Earth‐abundant transition metal selenides (TMSs) being discovered as a classic of stable, low‐cost, highly active and selective catalysts for electrochemical 2e− ORR. These features come from the relatively large atomic radius of selenium element, the metal‐like properties and the abundant reserves. Moreover, compared with the advanced noble metal or single‐atom catalysts, the kinetic current density of TMSs for H2O2 generation is higher in acidic solution, which enable them to become suitable catalyst candidates. Herein, the recent progress of TMSs for ORR to H2O2 is systematically reviewed. The effects of TMSs electrocatalysts on the activity, selectivity and stability of ORR to H2O2 are summarized. It is intended to provide an insight from catalyst design and corresponding reaction mechanisms to the device setup, and to discuss the relationship between structure and activity.

Recent Advances in Carbon-Based Single-Atom Catalysts for Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide in Acidic Media

“…The Griffith and Yeager type exhibit a side-on O 2 adsorption, which can extend and break the O-O bond, and the resulting *OH and *O intermediates can be combined with the active site, producing large amounts of H 2 O 2 via the 4e − -ORR pathway [4]. In contrast, the Pauling type displays the end-on adsorption, reducing the possibility of O-O bond cleavage and advancing selectivity for H 2 O 2 production [36,38]. Thus, the selectivity of 2e − -ORR can be improved by optimizing the adsorption of O 2 on the catalytic surface.…”

“…contrast, the Pauling type displays the end-on adsorption, reducing the possibility of O-O bond cleavage and advancing selectivity for H2O2 production [36,38]. Thus, the selectivity of 2e − -ORR can be improved by optimizing the adsorption of O2 on the catalytic surface.…”

Selective oxygen reduction reaction: mechanism understanding, catalyst design and practical application

“…These d-electron energy levels also endow transition metals with higher catalytic activity and selectivity. 204 Furthermore, transition metal catalysts exhibit tunability, allowing for the adjustment of catalytic activity and selectivity by changing the composition, structure, and surface properties of the transition metal. This tunability enables transition metal catalysts to adapt to different reaction conditions and substrate requirements, thereby improving catalytic efficiency and product quality.…”

Modification of NiSe2 Nanoparticles by ZIF-8-Derived NC for Boosting H2O2 Production from Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction in Acidic Media

“…In particular, transition metal selenides (TMSs) have been regarded as a promising 2e − ORR catalyst under acidic media [28][29][30]. NiSe2 is a typical TMS catalyst, but most reports focus on the field of water splitting or energy storage in previous studies [31,32].…”