Lattice Hydrogen Engineering Unlocks Inert TiO₂ for H₂O₂ Electrosynthesis in Neutral Media

Electrochemical H₂O₂ production through the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e^- ORR) represents a transformative route for sustainable and decentralized chemical synthesis. Nevertheless, conventional catalysts struggle to achieve optimal intermediates adsorption and efficient proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) under neutral conditions, as the sluggish dissociation of water imposes a severe kinetic bottleneck. Herein, we introduce a lattice hydrogen engineering strategy that confers unprecedented catalytic functionality to traditionally inert metal oxides. Through precise hydrogen implantation into the TiO₂ lattice, we establish Ti-O_2C-H active centers-a dual-function motif that simultaneously achieves near-ideal OOH* adsorption (positioned at the Sabatier volcano apex) and intrinsic proton reservoir capability. This atomically engineered H-TiO₂ catalyst delivers > 95% H₂O₂ selectivity, operating stably for over 100 h at an industrial current density of 200 mA cm^-2. This robust operation yields a high H₂O₂ production rate of 13,968 mmol g^-1 h^-1 with an energy efficiency of 41.3%. Crucially, the universality of lattice hydrogen engineering is demonstrated through the activation of WO₃, MoO₃, and Nb₂O₅, yielding comparable performance enhancements for neutral 2e^- ORR. By unlocking metal oxides as a robust catalyst platform for H₂O₂ electrosynthesis, this work establishes a scalable pathway toward scalable, green and cost-effective peroxide production.