One- or Two-Electron Water Oxidation, Hydroxyl Radical, or H₂O₂ Evolution

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis
• Water treatment

Background:

• Electrochemical water oxidation is promising for disinfection and hydrogen peroxide production.
• A key challenge is preventing the four-electron pathway that produces oxygen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand catalyst properties governing selectivity in water oxidation.
• To identify pathways for hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide generation.

Main Methods:

• Developing a thermochemical model for catalyst selectivity.
• Analyzing one-, two-, and four-electron transfer processes.

Main Results:

• Catalyst properties dictate the selectivity towards hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, or oxygen.
• A thermochemical picture explains the control over reaction pathways.

Conclusions:

• Understanding catalyst thermochemistry is crucial for designing selective electrocatalysts.
• This work provides a framework for developing efficient water disinfection and H2O2 production technologies.