Efficient electrochemical hydrogen peroxide production enabled by defect engineering of epoxy-rich carbon materials

Abstract

Introducing oxygenated species into carbon-based catalysts is an efficient method to enhance the activity of electrochemical hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production. Here, we report a low-temperature plasma strategy for preparing carbon materials rich in epoxy groups. This catalyst exhibits effective electrocatalytic activity, achieving H₂O₂ selectivity over 90% and a Faraday efficiency of 94.9% after 12 h of constant H₂O₂ production. The exceptional electrochemical activity is attributed to the epoxy group species, which are formed through the reaction between carbon defects and oxygen. This work offers an effective approach for preparing carbon-based catalysts for H₂O₂ production and provides insights into the impact of oxygenated species on the activity for H₂O₂ generation.