Joule-Heating-Synthesized Iodine–Nitrogen Metal-Free Nanofiber for H2O2 Electroproduction via a Coordination Microenvironment Regulation Strategy

The increasing demand for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) necessitates greener production methods. In response, we developed an iodine-nitrogen-codoped metal-free carbon catalyst using the coordination microstructure regulation strategy, combined with rapid Joule heating for precise iodine and nitrogen doping. This approach allows precise control over the formation of active iodine-nitrogen coordination sites, significantly enhancing the catalytic performance for H₂O₂ production via the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction. Among the synthesized catalysts, I-N₄ demonstrated superior catalytic activity, achieving a high H₂O₂ selectivity of 90-96% and a production rate of 1265 mg L^-1 h^-1 at -0.4 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode. Operando Raman spectroscopy confirmed the dynamic evolution of intermediates during the reaction, while chronoamperometric tests showed long-term stability. This scalable, energy-efficient synthesis method offers significant potential for sustainable energy and environmental applications.