Highly Stable Electrosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide Adapted to Fluctuating Renewable Energy

Abstract

AbstractThe integration of renewable energy with electrocatalytic technology affords an effective pathway to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency, thereby promoting the green electrification of the chemical industry. However, the inherent contradiction between the fluctuating nature of renewable energy and the need for stable operation in electrochemical processes significantly hinders their development and implementation. To mitigate this, we propose a robust two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction system using O‐coordinated Co single‐atom catalysts for the electrosynthesis of environmentally friendly hydrogen peroxide. It excels in stability and efficiency across various operating conditions, including steady‐state, start−stop cycles, and fluctuating power inputs. At a current density of −50 mA cm−2, the system sustains over 55 stable start−stop cycles with an average Faradic efficiency above 96%. The high selectivity and durability are attributed to the reservoir‐containing O‐coordinated Co single‐atom sites and the self‐healing capability of gas diffusion electrodes. Furthermore, we evaluate its practicality under simulated photovoltaic power supply scenarios in the field of smart agriculture, particularly for integrated fertilization, disinfection, and irrigation. By addressing the variability of renewable energy and optimizing the integration of electrochemical processes, our work paves the way for fully realizing green electrification in sustainable chemical synthesis.