Recent Progress in the Electrocatalytic Synthesis of H2O2 from Graphite-Based Materials

Abstract

Graphite-based catalysts, with their abundant availability, low cost, excellent electrical conductivity, and chemical stability, serve as an ideal candidate for eletrocatalytical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). This review explores the fundamental principles of H₂O₂ production via the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the theoretical basis for evaluating catalyst selectivity. It summarizes the structural characteristics, classifications, and developmental history of graphite-based catalysts, with a focus on recent advancements. The discussion highlights strategies such as heteroatom doping, defect engineering, and surface oxygen functionalization, analyzing their effectiveness in designing novel high-performance catalysts. By rationally designing catalyst components and fine-tuning the microenvironment of active sites, it is possible to develop efficient and highly stable catalysts, narrowing the gap between experimental outcomes and theoretical predictions. This work aims to advance the scalable application of graphite-based materials in green chemistry and energy fields.