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Interfacial Acid Sites-Mediated ZnO-Based Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Dual-Pathway H2O2 Production and
Lijun Yang1, Sitong Liu1, Wencheng He1
1College of Chemistry, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China.
Abstract:
Facing the challenge of achieving efficient and sustainable hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, a promising strategy is developing highly selective electrocatalysts with controllable synthesis, structural design and performance optimization. Herein, an interfacial acid sites-mediated ZnSe/ZnO heterojunction is synthesized for highly selective two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) toward H2O2 production. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that surface selenization induced reconstruction, forming a synergistic interface with a built-in electric field and tailored oxygen vacancies (Ovs), which collaboratively optimize the electronic structure and accelerate reaction kinetics of two-electron ORR. Moreover, interfacial unsaturated Zn2+ sites and OVs served as Lewis acids sites to enhance O2 adsorption and activation, while Brønsted acids sites were liable to donate protons to promote *OOH formation. Consequently, a ZnSe/ZnO ‖ ZnO flow cell enabled paired electrolysis for concurrent H2O2 production with a high H2O2 yield of 754.4 M gcat -1 over 12 h. A rechargeable Zn-H2O2 cell using ZnSe/ZnO cathode delivered a power density of 11.99 mW cm-2 as a self-sustaining process for simultaneous on-site H2O2 production and electrical energy generation. This work offers a sustainable route for on-site H2O2 synthesis with improved energy efficiency, advancing green chemistry and circular economy.
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