Carbon-Based Catalysts for Electrosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydorgen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an eco-friendly and versatile chemical with extensive applications across various inductrial and househould scenario. Electrosynthesis of H₂O₂ via the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e^- ORR) offers an efficient and sustainable alterantives to conventional anthraquinone process. Carbon-based catalysts have garnered significant attention in this field due to their intrinsic advantages, including cost-effectiveness, structural tunability, high electrical conductivity, and abundant surface active sites. However, achieving industrially viable H₂O₂ productivity and selectivity demands a holistic optimization strategy encompassing catalyst design, electrode architectures, electrolyte modulation, and reactor configuration. This review systematically examines recent advances in carbon-based catalysts for electrochemical H₂O₂ generation, addressing fundamental mechanisms of 2e^- ORR pathways; controlled synthesis strategies; and system-level optimizations of electrodes, electrolytes and reactors. State-of-the-art in situ/operando characterization techniques and machine learning-driven computational models are highlighted as indispensable tools for unraveling reaction mechanisms and accelerating catalyst discovery. Finally, Challenges and future research directions for advancing carbon-based electrocatalysts toward practical applications are critically discussed.