Selective Reduction of O2 to H2O2 by Novel EDTA-Derived Ni-Nanoparticle-Set Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Catalysts

The development of a cost-effective method for synthesizing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) holds significant importance. Here, we introduce a novel catalyst, a nitrogen-doped carbon-loaded nickel nanoparticle catalyst (Nix NPs@N–C), tailored for efficient H2O2 production via the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction. Benefiting from the synergistic interplay between highly active nickel nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped carbon, the optimal Nix NPs@N–C catalyst demonstrates an outstanding 78% selectivity for H2O2 at 0.5 V vs a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), yielding approximately 387 mmol g–1 h–1 in a 0.1 M KOH alkaline solution at 0.3 V vs RHE. With its utilization of cost-effective raw materials, streamlined synthesis method, and exceptional catalytic performance, the Nix NPs@N–C catalyst emerges as a promising candidate for electrocatalytic H2O2 synthesis in practical applications.