Advances in Constructing Efficient Photocatalytic Systems for Hydrogen Peroxide Production: Insights from Synchrotron Radiation Research

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a promising energy carrier and is widely implemented as an eco-friendly oxidant in organic synthesis, wastewater treatment, and other industrial and healthcare sectors. The photocatalytic H2O2 production using O2 and H2O as raw materials, powered by sunlight, represents a green chemical process with the advantages of mild reaction conditions, controllable operation, and negligible secondary pollution. With increased focus on sustainable H2O2 production, a comprehensive and timely review is needed to deepen the insight into this energy conversion process from material design strategies to dynamic catalytic mechanisms. In this review, the photocatalytic pathways for H2O2 production and the modification strategies for promising photocatalysts are systematically discussed. Moreover, advanced synchrotron radiation X-ray absorption spectroscopy and its application to the energy conversion process of photocatalytic H2O2 generation are carefully analyzed. Finally, the review outlines the challenges and future prospects associated with photocatalytic H2O2 production, which aims to offer valuable insights and guidelines for the rational design of high-performance photocatalysts toward H2O2 generation.