Electrocatalytic H₂O₂ generation for disinfection

Epidemics are threatening public health and social development. Emerging as a green disinfectant, H₂O₂ can prevent the breakout of epidemics in migration. Electrochemical H₂O₂ production powered by renewable electricity provides a clean and decentralized solution for on-site disinfection. This review firstly discussed the efficacy of H₂O₂ in disinfection. Then necessary fundamental principles are summarized to gain insight into electrochemical H₂O₂ production. The focus is on exploring pathways to realize a highly efficient H₂O₂ production. Progress in advanced electrocatalysts, typically single-atom catalysts for the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e⁻ ORR), are highlighted to provide high H₂O₂ selectivity design strategies. Finally, a rational design of electrode and electrolytic cells is outlined to realize the on-site disinfection. Overall, this critical review contributes to exploiting the potentials and constraints of electrochemical H₂O₂ generation in disinfection and pinpoints future research directions required for implementation.