The production of H2 O2 via the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) presents an attractive decentralized alternative to the current industry-dominant anthraquinone process. However, in order to achieve viable commercialization of this process, a state-of-the-art electrocatalyst exhibiting high activity, selectivity, and long-term stability is imperative for industrial applications. Herein, an in-depth discussion on the current frontiers in electrocatalyst design is provided, emphasizing the influences of electronic and geometric effects, surface structure, and the effects of heteroatom functionalization on the catalytic performance of commonly studied materials (metals, alloys, carbons). The limitations on the performance of the current catalyst materials are also discussed, together with alternative strategies to overcome the impediments. Finally, directions of future research efforts for the discovery of next-generation ORR electrocatalysts are highlighted.
Keywords: H2O2 production; catalyst design; electrocatalysts; electrochemistry; oxygen reduction reaction; renewable energy.
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