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.