Electrosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide Synergistically Catalyzed by Atomic Co-Nx -C Sites and Oxygen Functional Groups in Noble-Metal-Free Electrocatalysts

Effect of Oxygen-Containing Group on the Catalytic Performance of Zn/C Catalyst for Acetylene Acetoxylation

In this study, a series of activated carbon-based supports with different oxygen-containing groups (OCGs) proportions were obtained via thermal treatment in an ozone flow. Semiquantitative analyses indicated that the performance of the catalyst attained a maximum after 30 min of treatment with ozone flow, and had a positive correlation with the content ratios of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. Further, temperature-programmed desorption analysis demonstrated that the high performance (63% acetic acid conversion) of the prepared catalyst for the acetoxylation of acetylene could be ascribed to the reduced strength of increased capacity of acetylene adsorption. Density functional theory proved that the additional –COOH in the dicarboxylic catalytic system could be employed as a support for the active sites, and enhancing C₂H₂ adsorption strength in the rate-limiting step in the actual experimental process effectively accelerated the reaction rate. Thus, the OCGs on the surface of activated carbon play a crucial role in the catalytic performance of the acetylene acetoxylation catalyst.

Nitrogen, sulfur co-doped carbon coated zinc sulfide for efficient hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis

Oxygen electroreduction (ORR) via a two-electron pathway is a promising alternative for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) synthesis in small-scale applications. In this work, nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon coated zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS@C) are synthesized using facile high-temperature annealing. In an alkaline electrolyte, the presence of ZnS suppresses the reduction of H2O2 during the ORR and contributes to high H2O2 selectivity (∼90%) over a wide potential range (0.40-0.80 V). Continuous generation of H2O2 is in turn achieved at an outstanding rate of 1.485 mol gcat.-1 h-1 with a faradaic efficiency of 93.7%.

Design Strategies of Non-Noble Metal-Based Electrocatalysts for Two-Electron Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) is a highly value-added and environmentally friendly chemical with various applications. The production of H₂ O₂ by electrocatalytic 2e^- oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has drawn considerable research attention, with a view to replacing the currently established anthraquinone process. Electrocatalysts with low cost, high activity, high selectivity, and superior stability are in high demand to realize precise control over electrochemical H₂ O₂ synthesis by 2e^- ORR and the feasible commercialization of this system. This Review introduces a comprehensive overview of non-noble metal-based catalysts for electrochemical oxygen reduction to afford H₂ O₂ , providing an insight into catalyst design and corresponding reaction mechanisms. It starts with an in-depth discussion on the origins of 2e^- /4e^- selectivity towards ORR for catalysts. Recent advances in design strategies for non-noble metal-based catalysts, including carbon nanomaterials and transition metal-based materials, for electrochemical oxygen reduction to H₂ O₂ are then discussed, with an emphasis on the effects of electronic structure, nanostructure, and surface properties on catalytic performance. Finally, future challenges and opportunities are proposed for the further development of H₂ O₂ electrogeneration through 2e^- ORR, from the standpoints of mechanistic studies and practical application.

Ultrastable FeCo Bifunctional Electrocatalyst on Se-Doped CNTs for Liquid and Flexible All-Solid-State Rechargeable Zn-Air Batteries

The rechargeable Zn-air batteries as an environmentally friendly sustainable energy technology have been extensively studied. However, it is still a challenge to develop non-noble metal bifunctional catalysts with high oxygen reduction as well as oxygen evolution reaction (ORR and OER) activity and superior durability, which limit the large-scale application of rechargeable Zn-air batteries. Herein, we synthesized an ultrastable FeCo bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst on Se-doped CNTs (FeCo/Se-CNT) via a gravity guided chemical vapor deposition (CVD) strategy. The catalyst exhibits excellent ORR (E_1/2 = 0.9 V) and OER (overpotential at 10 mA cm^-2 = 340 mV) properties simultaneously, surpassing commercial Pt/C and RuO₂/C catalysts. More importantly, the catalyst shows an unordinary stability, that is, is no obvious decrease after 30K cycles accelerated durability test for ORR and OER processes. The small potential gap (0.75 V) represents superior bifunctional ORR and OER activities of the FeCo/Se-CNT catalyst. The FeCo/Se-CNT catalyst possesses outstanding electrochemical performance for the rechargeable liquid and flexible all-solid-state Zn-air batteries, for example, a high open circuit voltage (OCV) and peak power density of 1.543 and 1.405 V and 173.4 and 37.5 mW cm^-2, respectively.

Docking MOF crystals on graphene support for highly selective electrocatalytic peroxide production

Tailoring the reaction kinetics is the central theme of designer electrocatalysts, which enables the selective conversion of abundant and inert atmospheric species into useful products. Here we show a supporting effect in tuning the electrocatalytic kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) from four-electron to two-electron mechanism by docking metalloporphyrin-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) crystals on graphene support, leading to highly selective peroxide production with faradaic efficiency as high as 93.4%. A magic angle of 38.1° tilting for the co-facial alignment was uncovered by electron diffraction tomography, which is attributed to the maximization of π-π interaction for mitigating the lattice and symmetry mismatch between MOF and graphene. The facilitated electron migration and oxygen chemisorption could be ascribed to the supportive effect of graphene that disperses of the electron state of the active center, and ultimately regulates rate-determining step.

ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

Supplementary material (synthesis protocols for control samples, morphological and structural characterizations, porosity, electrochemical properties and activities including SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman, AFM investigations) is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s12274-021-3382-3.

Graphene-supported single-atom catalysts and applications in electrocatalysis

Supported metal nanostructures are the most extensively studied heterogeneous catalysts, benefiting from easy separation, regeneration and affordable cost. The size of the supported metal species is one of the decisive factors in determining the activity of heterogeneous catalysts. Particularly, the unsaturated coordination environment of metal atoms preferably act as the active centers, minimizing these metal species can significantly boost the specific activity of every single metal atom. Single-atom catalysts/catalysis (SACs), containing isolated metals atomically dispersed on or coordinated with the surface of a support material, represent the ultimate utilization of supported metals and maximize metal usage efficiency. Graphene, a two-dimensional star material, exhibiting extraordinary physical and chemical properties, has been approved as an excellent platform for constructing SACs. When atomically dispersed metal atoms are strongly anchored on the graphene surface, featuring ultra-high surface area and excellent electronic properties, SACs offer a great potential to significantly innovate the conventional heterogeneous catalysis, especially in the field of electrocatalysis. In this review, a detailed discussion of graphene-supported SACs, including preparation approaches, characterization techniques and applications on typical electrocatalytic reactions is provided. The advantages and unique features of graphene-supported SACs as efficient electrocatalysts and the upcoming challenges for improving their performance and further practical applications are also highlighted.

O-doped Graphitic Granular Biochar Enables Pollutants Removal via Simultaneous H2O2 Generation and Activation in Neutral Fe-free Electro-Fenton Process

H₂O₂ generation by 2-electron oxygen electroreduction reaction (2eORR) has attracted great attention as an alternative to the industry-dominant anthraquinone process. Electro-Fenton (EF) process, which relies on the H₂O₂ electrogeneration, is regarded as an important environmental application of H₂O₂ generation by 2eORR. However, its application is hindered by the relatively expensive electrode materials. Proposing cathode materials with low cost and facile synthetic procedures are the priority to advance the EF process. In this work, a composite cathode structure that uses graphitic granular bamboo-based biochar (GB) and stainless steel (SS) mesh (GBSS) is proposed, where SS mesh functions as current distributor and GB supports synergistic H₂O₂ electrogeneration and activation. The graphitic carbon makes GB conductive and the oxygen-containing groups serve as active sites for H₂O₂ production. 11.3 mg/L H₂O₂ was produced from 2.0 g GB at 50 mA after 50 min under neutral pH without external O₂/air supply. The O-doped biochar further increased the H₂O₂ yield to 18.3 mg/L under same conditions. The GBSS electrode is also effective for H₂O₂ activation to generate ·OH, especially under neutral pH. Ultimately, a neutral Fe-free EF process enabled by GBSS cathode is effective for removal of various model organic pollutants (reactive blue 19, orange II, 4-nitrophenol) within 120 min, and for their partial mineralization (48.4% to 63.5%). Long-term stability of the GBSS electrode for H₂O₂ electrogeneration, H₂O₂ activation, and pollutants degradation were also examined and analyzed. This work offers a promising application for biomass waste for removals of organic pollutants in neutral Fe-free EF process.

Recent advances of noble-metal-free bifunctional oxygen reduction and evolution electrocatalysts

Bifunctional oxygen reduction and evolution constitute the core processes for sustainable energy storage. The advances on noble-metal-free bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts are reviewed.

Cobalt single atom catalysts for the efficient electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide

Cobalt single atoms anchored on N-doped graphitic carbon were successfully synthesised and exhibited superior two-electron oxygen reduction reaction activity with a H₂O₂ selectivity of ∼76.0% at 0.5 V (vs. RHE).

d-Orbital steered active sites through ligand editing on heterometal imidazole frameworks for rechargeable zinc-air battery

The implementation of pristine metal-organic frameworks as air electrode may spark fresh vitality to rechargeable zinc-air batteries, but successful employment is rare due to the challenges in regulating their electronic states and structural porosity. Here we conquer these issues by incorporating ligand vacancies and hierarchical pores into cobalt-zinc heterometal imidazole frameworks. Systematic characterization and theoretical modeling disclose that the ligand editing eases surmountable energy barrier for *OH deprotonation by its efficacy to steer metal d-orbital electron occupancy. As a stride forward, the selected cobalt-zinc heterometallic alliance lifts the energy level of unsaturated d-orbitals and optimizes their adsorption/desorption process with oxygenated intermediates. With these merits, cobalt-zinc heterometal imidazole frameworks, as a conceptually unique electrode, empowers zinc-air battery with a discharge-charge voltage gap of 0.8 V and a cyclability of 1250 h at 15 mA cm^–2, outperforming the noble-metal benchmarks.

Low intrinsic activity and accessibility of active sites limit the application of metal-organic framework as catalyst for Zn-air battery. Here, authors present a cation substitution strategy to regulate the electronic state of metal sites and modify its porosity, which enables battery operation.

Atomically dispersed Lewis acid sites boost 2-electron oxygen reduction activity of carbon-based catalysts

Elucidating the structure-property relationship is crucial for the design of advanced electrocatalysts towards the production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). In this work, we theoretically and experimentally discovered that atomically dispersed Lewis acid sites (octahedral M–O species, M = aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga)) regulate the electronic structure of adjacent carbon catalyst sites. Density functional theory calculation predicts that the octahedral M–O with strong Lewis acidity regulates the electronic distribution of the adjacent carbon site and thus optimizes the adsorption and desorption strength of reaction intermediate (*OOH). Experimentally, the optimal catalyst (oxygen-rich carbon with atomically dispersed Al, denoted as O-C(Al)) with the strongest Lewis acidity exhibited excellent onset potential (0.822 and 0.526 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode at 0.1 mA cm⁻² H₂O₂ current in alkaline and neutral media, respectively) and high H₂O₂ selectivity over a wide voltage range. This study provides a highly efficient and low-cost electrocatalyst for electrochemical H₂O₂ production.

H₂O₂ production via oxygen reduction offers a renewable approach to obtain an often-used oxidant. Here, authors show the incorporation of Lewis acid sites into carbon-based materials to improve H₂O₂ electrosynthesis.

Facile Top-Down Strategy for Direct Metal Atomization and Coordination Achieving a High Turnover Number in CO2 Photoreduction

Developing unique single atoms as active sites is vitally important to boosting the efficiency of photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, but directly atomizing metal particles and simultaneously adjusting the configuration of individual atoms remain challenging. Herein, we demonstrate a facile strategy at a relatively low temperature (500 °C) to access the in situ metal atomization and coordination adjustment via the thermo-driven gaseous acid. Using this strategy, the pyrolytic gaseous acid (HCl) from NH₄Cl could downsize the large metal particles into corresponding ions, which subsequently anchored onto the surface defects of a nitrogen-rich carbon (NC) matrix. Additionally, the low-temperature treatment-induced C═O motifs within the interlayer of NC could bond with the discrete Fe sites in a perpendicular direction and finally create stabilized Fe-N₄O species with high valence status (Fe³⁺) on the shallow surface of the NC matrix. It was found that the Fe-N₄O species can achieve a highly efficient CO₂ conversion when accepting energetic electrons from both homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalysts. The optimized sample achieves a maximum turnover number (TON) of 1494 within 1 h in CO generation with a high selectivity of 86.7% as well as excellent stability. Experimental and theoretical results unravel that high valence Fe sites in Fe-N₄O species can promote the adsorption of CO₂ and lower the formation barrier of key intermediate COOH* compared with the traditional Fe-N₄ moiety with lower chemical valence. Our discovery provides new points of view in the construction of more efficient single-atom cocatalysts by considering the optimization of the atomic configuration for high-performance CO₂ photoreduction.

A hybrid transition metal nanocrystal-embedded graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet system as a superior oxygen electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn-air batteries

In this study, we, for the first time, demonstrate a general solid-phase pyrolysis method to synthesize hybrid transition metal nanocrystal-embedded graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets, namely M-CNNs, as a highly efficient oxygen electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn-air batteries (ZABs). The ratios between metallic acetylacetonates and the g-C₃N₄ precursor can be controlled where Fe-CNNs_-0.7, Ni-CNNs_-0.7 and Co-NNs_-0.7 composites have been optimized to exhibit superior ORR/OER bifunctional electrocatalytic activities. Specifically, Co-CNNs_-0.7 exhibited not only a comparable half-wave potential (0.803 V vs. RHE) to that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.832 V) with a larger current density for the ORR but also a lower overpotential (440 mV) toward the OER compared with the commercial IrO₂ catalyst (460 mV), revealing impressive application in rechargeable ZABs. As a result, ZABs using Co-CNNs_-0.7 as the cathode exhibited an excellent peak power density of 85.3 mW cm^-2 with a specific capacity of 675.7 mA h g^-1 and remarkable cycling stability of 1000 cycles, outperforming the commercially available Pt/C + IrO₂ catalysts. This study highlights the synergy from heterointerfaces in oxygen electrocatalysis, thus providing a promising approach for advanced metal-air cathode materials.

Recent advances in electrochemical 2e oxygen reduction reaction for on-site hydrogen peroxide production and beyond

The electroproduction of H₂O₂ through 2e oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as an alternative strategy for the conventional anthraquinone process is highly energy-efficient and environment-friendly. Different kinds of electrocatalysts with high selectivity, activity, and stability have been recently reported, and are an essential part of the whole electroproduction process of H₂O₂. In this review, we expound the ORR mechanism and introduce some methods to screen out potential electrocatalysts through theoretical calculations and experimental verifications. In addition, recent advances in reactor design for large-scale on-site production of H₂O₂ and integrated systems for electricity-H₂O₂ co-generation are mentioned. With ideal electrocatalysts and rational reactor design, different concentrations of H₂O₂ can be obtained depending on the practical applications. Utilizing the solar or chemical energy, it can promote energy efficiency and sustainability of the process. Finally, we make a brief conclusion about recent developments in electrocatalysts, device design, as well as integrated systems, and give an outlook for future research challenges, which are meaningful for advancing the electrochemical on-site production of H₂O₂via 2e ORR to the marketplace.

Revealing Kinetics of Two-Electron Oxygen Reduction Reaction at Single-Molecule Level

By combining single-molecule fluorescence microscopy with traditional electrochemical methods, herein we report on the investigation of the electrocatalytic kinetics of two-electron (2e) pathway of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on a single Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle. The kinetic parameters for two-electron ORR process are successfully derived at the single-particle level, and a potential dependence of dynamic heterogeneity among individual nanoparticles is revealed. Furthermore, the performance stability of individual Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles for 2e ORR process is studied. This study deepens our understanding to the electrocatalytic ORR process, especially the 2e pathway at single-molecule and single-particle levels.

Single-Atom Cobalt Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Hydrodechlorination and Oxygen Reduction Reaction for the Degradation of Chlorinated Organic Compounds

Electrochemical reduction-oxidation processes with the aid of cathode catalysts are promising technologies for the decomposition of organic compounds. High-efficiency and low-cost catalysts for electrochemical reductive dechlorination and two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are vital to the overall degradation of chlorinated organic compounds. This study reports electrochemical dechlorination using a single-atom Co-loaded sulfide graphene (Co-SG) catalyst via atomic hydrogen generated from the electrochemical reduction of H₂O and electrolysis of hydrogen. The Co-SG electrocatalyst exhibited a remarkable performance for H₂O₂ synthesis with a half-wave potential of 0.70 V (vs RHE) and selectivity over 90%. The high electrochemical performance was achieved for bifunctional electrocatalysis with regard to the smaller overpotentials, faster kinetics, and higher cycling stability compared to the noble metal-based electrocatalysts. In this study, 2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid was well degraded and the TOC concentration was effectively reduced. This work introduces the preparation of a new active site for high-performance single-atom catalysts and also promotes its application in the electrochemical degradation of chlorinated organic pollutants.

Building and identifying highly active oxygenated groups in carbon materials for oxygen reduction to H2O2

The one-step electrochemical synthesis of H₂O₂ is an on-site method that reduces dependence on the energy-intensive anthraquinone process. Oxidized carbon materials have proven to be promising catalysts due to their low cost and facile synthetic procedures. However, the nature of the active sites is still controversial, and direct experimental evidence is presently lacking. Here, we activate a carbon material with dangling edge sites and then decorate them with targeted functional groups. We show that quinone-enriched samples exhibit high selectivity and activity with a H₂O₂ yield ratio of up to 97.8 % at 0.75 V vs. RHE. Using density functional theory calculations, we identify the activity trends of different possible quinone functional groups in the edge and basal plane of the carbon nanostructure and determine the most active motif. Our findings provide guidelines for designing carbon-based catalysts, which have simultaneous high selectivity and activity for H₂O₂ synthesis.

The identity of catalytic sites for H₂O₂ generation in carbon-based materials remains controversial with limited experimental evidence to date. Here, the authors decorate various target functional groups on carbon materials and quinone-enriched samples exhibit the highest activity and selectivity.

2D Electrocatalysts for Converting Earth-Abundant Simple Molecules into Value-Added Commodity Chemicals: Recent Progress and Perspectives

The electrocatalytic conversion of earth-abundant simple molecules into value-added commodity chemicals can transform current chemical production regimes with enormous socioeconomic and environmental benefits. For these applications, 2D electrocatalysts have emerged as a new class of high-performance electrocatalyst with massive forward-looking potential. Recent advances in 2D electrocatalysts are reviewed for emerging applications that utilize naturally existing H₂ O, N₂ , O₂ , Cl^- (seawater) and CH₄ (natural gas) as reactants for nitrogen reduction (N₂ → NH₃ ), two-electron oxygen reduction (O₂ → H₂ O₂ ), chlorine evolution (Cl^- → Cl₂ ), and methane partial oxidation (CH₄ → CH₃ OH) reactions to generate NH₃ , H₂ O₂ , Cl₂ , and CH₃ OH. The unique 2D features and effective approaches that take advantage of such features to create high-performance 2D electrocatalysts are articulated with emphasis. To benefit the readers and expedite future progress, the challenges facing the future development of 2D electrocatalysts for each of the above reactions and the related perspectives are provided.

Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4)-Derived Bamboo-Like Carbon Nanotubes/Co Nanoparticles Hybrids for Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an extremely important reaction in many renewable energy-related devices. The sluggish kinetics of the ORR limits the development of many fuel cells. Design and synthesis of highly efficient nonprecious electrocatalysts are of vital importance for electrochemical reduction of oxygen. Herein, we develop a graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄)-derived bamboo-like carbon nanotubes/carbon-wrapped Co nanoparticles (BCNT/Co) electrocatalyst by a simple high-temperature pyrolysis and acid-leaching method. The catalytic performance of the as-designed electrocatalyst toward ORR outperforms the commercial Pt/C catalyst in alkaline solution. The onset potential of nonprecious BCNT/Co-800 catalyst was 1.12 V. The half-wave potential was 0.881 V. The result was superior to that of commercial Pt/C (0.827 V vs RHE). The Co nanoparticles, bamboo-like carbon nanotubes, defects, and Co-N_x active sites all result in the remarkable ORR activity, stability, and great methanol tolerance.

Oxidase-Inspired Selective 2e/4e Reduction of Oxygen on Electron-Deficient Cu

Development of low-cost and efficient (electro)catalysts with tunable 2e/4e oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) selectivity toward energy conversion, biomimetic catalysis, and biosensing has attracted growing interest. Herein, we reported that carbon nanohybrids with O- or N-coordinated Cu (Cu-OC or Cu-NC) showed superior activity for 2e and 4e electrocatalytic ORR with selectivities of 84.0% and 97.2%, respectively. Experimental evidence demonstrated that the strong electron-rich O-doped carbon in Cu-OC donated electrons to Cu²⁺, weakening the binding strength of H₂O₂ at Cu-O centers and facilitating the 2e ORR pathway for selective production of H₂O₂. However, the poor electron-donor ability of the N-doped carbon in Cu-NC made Cu-N sites more electron deficient due to the reduced electron transfer from N-doped carbon to Cu²⁺, promoting 4e ORR by enhancing adsorption of O₂ and the ORR intermediates. The high 4e ORR activity of Cu-NC rendered its potential for application in a Zn-air battery and oxidase-mimicking activity for 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and ascorbic acid (AA) oxidation. The maximal velocity (V_max) of TMB and AA oxidation over Cu-NC was higher than some natural oxidases and noble-metal-based artificial enzymes. The lower activation energy for AA oxidation over Cu-NC resulted in a 263-fold higher oxidative rate than TMB, further prompting nonenzymatic sensing of AA by the competitive oxidation strategy.

A comparative perspective of electrochemical and photochemical approaches for catalytic H2O2 production

Recent advances in the design, preparation, and applications of different catalysts for electrochemical and photochemical H₂O₂ production are summarized, and some invigorating perspectives for future developments are also provided.

O-Doping Boosts the Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction Activity of a Single Fe Site in Hydrophilic Carbon with Deep Mesopores

Carbon-based electrocatalysts with single metal sites hold great potential for mechanism exploration via mimicking molecular catalysts, due to their distinct catalytic sites. In addition to metal atoms, the neighboring nonmetal heteroatoms such as N, S, and O atoms, which are widely detected in carbon-based single-atom catalysts, may also contribute to enhancing the electrochemical activity of single-metal centers. In this work, the boosting effect of O-doping toward the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was evaluated by both experimental studies and DFT calculations. O-doped carbon-supported single-Fe-site catalysts possessing deep mesopores and desirable hydrophilic surface were achieved by confined carbonization in an inert or reductive atmosphere (SAFe-NDC and SAFe-NDC-H). As compared to the state-of-the-art Pt/C, these catalysts showed superior catalytic activity toward the ORR in terms of half-wave potential, Tafel slope, and long-term stability. In particular, SAFe-NDC-H outperformed its SAFe-NDC counterpart. Considering that these two catalysts possess a comparable porous structure, surface properties, and local electronic structure of a single Fe site, the dopant nonmetal O atoms, specifically, carbonyl group (C═O), are revealed to affect the ORR activity of the single Fe site exclusively. The introduced C═O facilitates the formation of *OOH as well as the reduction of *OH, thereby reducing the catalysts' overpotential.

Simultaneously Providing Iron Source toward Electro-Fenton Process and Enhancing Hydrogen Peroxide Production via a Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Embedded Graphite Felt Electrode

Electro-reduction of O₂ to generate H₂O₂ is an attractive alternative to the current anthraquinone process and quite necessary for chemical industries and environmental remediation. In general, sufficient porous structure contributes to expose more catalytic active sites and shorten diffusion paths for the heterogeneous catalysis of O₂. In this work, initially the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles embedded graphite felt (Fe₃O₄@GF) is prepared through a mild hydrothermal following with thermal reduction method. This special combination not only provides iron source for the electro-Fenton reaction but also supplies rich active sites from the Fe₃O₄ embedded structure with abundant cracks, which are beneficial to increase the reaction rate. Compared with raw graphite felt (RGF), fresh Fe₃O₄@GF exhibits superior pollutant degradation kinetics with more than 400% increase and approximately 37.8% improvement to the removal of total organic carbon. A 98% decolorization of rhodamine B (RhB) can be achieved in just 5 min and quickly completes 100% removal of RhB in the next few seconds. As the electro-Fenton reaction progresses, Fe₃O₄ dissolves in the electrolyte, leaving a porous structure on the surface of the GF to form a porous GF (PGF), and the rapid radical reaction activates the GF surface. Both the chemical etching of Fe₃O₄ and the electro-Fenton process can further increase the specific surface area, defects, and actives sites of the electrode. As expected, the active PGF exhibits favorable performance of H₂O₂ production in electrolytes of different pHs: 1 (320.0 ± 36.5 mg L^-1), 3 (301.9 ± 13.2 mg L^-1), and 7 (320.4 ± 21.2 mg L^-1). The degradation performance of PGF does not significantly decay even after 20 cycles of repeated use, indicating the good structural stability and long-term durability. The superiority of the in situ Fe source and fast reaction kinetics for electro-Fenton of Fe₃O₄@GF is confirmed, and this holey engineered strategy also provides the possibility to achieve swift water purification and open up a new way for developing efficient carbon-based electrodes.