Catalyst durability in electrocatalytic HO production: key factors and challenges.

On-demand electrocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (HO) production is a significant technological advancement that offers a promising alternative to the traditional anthraquinone process. This approach leverages electrocatalysts for the selective reduction of oxygen through a two-electron transfer mechanism (ORR-2e), holding great promise for delivering a sustainable and economically efficient means of HO production. However, the harsh operating conditions during the electrochemical HO production lead to the degradation of both structural integrity and catalytic efficacy in these materials. Here, we systematically examine the design strategies and materials typically utilized in the electroproduction of HO in acidic environments. We delve into the prevalent reactor conditions and scrutinize the factors contributing to catalyst deactivation. Additionally, we propose standardised benchmarking protocols aimed at evaluating catalyst stability under such rigorous conditions. To this end, we advocate for the adoption of three distinct accelerated stress tests to comprehensively assess catalyst performance and durability.