Identifying Activity and Selectivity Trends for the Electrosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide via Oxygen Reduction on Nickel–Nitrogen–Carbon Catalysts

The electrocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) requires cost-effective catalysts with high selectivity, activity, and stability. Herein we report synthesis assessment nickel–nitrogen–carbon (Ni–N–C) electrocatalysts to gain insight into ORR activity selectivity toward H2O2. depended on amount nickel added during as well pH electrolyte. materials were found be heterogeneous in nature, consisting nitrogen-doped carbon structures containing Ni species, including Ni3S2 covered metallic particles. presence was imperative for performance acidic electrolytes but had minimal impact alkaline electrolytes. By experimentally demonstrating that Ni3S2, Ni, N-doped species not source postulate atomically dispersed Ni–Nx/C sites are responsible electrolytes, an −0.3 mA cm–2 a H2O2 43% measured best Ni–N–C catalyst at 0.5 V vs RHE. This work highlights potential generates scientific guide design improved metal–nitrogen–carbon based inexpensive precursors simplistic syntheses.