p-Block Metal-Based Catalysts: Hidden Gems for Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) offers a sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
• p-block metals possess unique electronic structures and tunable surface properties beneficial for the 2-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
• A systematic review on p-block metal electrocatalysts for H₂O₂ synthesis is currently lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of recent progress in p-block metal-based electrocatalysts for H₂O₂ electrosynthesis.
• To analyze trends in p-block metal research related to the 2e^- ORR and 2e^- water oxidation reaction (WOR).
• To summarize reaction mechanisms, discuss synthesis strategies, and identify future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of over 300 publications to assess research trends.
• Synthesis and discussion of strategies for p-block metal catalyst preparation and optimization.
• Review of DFT calculations to summarize reaction mechanisms via a 2e^- pathway.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in p-block metal research over the last decade, with a surge in 2e^- ORR studies since 2019.
• Detailed discussion of synthesis and optimization strategies for various p-block metal catalysts.
• Summary of reaction mechanisms based on literature DFT calculations, highlighting the 2e^- pathway.

Conclusions:

• p-block metal electrocatalysts show great potential for sustainable H₂O₂ production.
• Key challenges include improving catalyst stability, enhancing mechanistic understanding, and developing cost-effective synthesis methods.
• Future research should focus on novel catalyst engineering and promoting sustainable H₂O₂ electrosynthesis technologies.