Recently, Zhang Yinqiao and Zuo Sijin, young faculty members from the School of Engineering at our university, published a review paper titled “p-Block Metal-Based Catalysts: Hidden Gems for Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis” in the prestigious journal Advanced Materials. Liang Hao, a 2023 doctoral student, and Qin Shuhan, a 2023 master's student, are the co-first authors of the paper. Zhang Yinqiao and Zuo Sijin are the co-corresponding authors, China Pharmaceutical University is listed as the first corresponding institution.
In this study, the authors conducted a quantitative analysis of hundreds of publications, revealing a significant growth trend in p-block metal research over the past decade. They thoroughly explored synthesis and optimization strategies for p-block metal-based catalysts. Based on a comprehensive analysis of density functional theory calculations from the literature, they summarized the 2e⁻ pathway catalytic reaction mechanism. Finally, the review outlines major challenges and future directions in this field. This work not only provides new insights for designing p-block metal-based catalysts but also advances the development of sustainable hydrogen peroxide electro-synthesis technologies.
Figure 1. Recent Advances and Development Prospects of p-Block Metal Catalysts
Paper link: https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202510356
Our young faculty member Zuo Sijin collaborated with Professor Wang Juan's team at Zhejiang University to publish a research paper titled “A Natural Oxygen-Harvesting Electrode Enables Aeration-Free Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation for In Situ Water Remediation” in the prestigious journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
Addressing the industry challenge that conventional H₂O₂ electro-synthesis requires continuous aeration, this study developed an aeration-free dual-cathode system centered on a natural oxygen-harvesting electrode (NOHE). Leveraging its superhydrophobic microporous structure, the NOHE efficiently captures oxygen generated at the anode for H₂O₂ synthesis (yielding 957.1 mg gcat⁻¹), eliminating the need for external aeration entirely. Simultaneously, separating the H₂O₂ generation and activation processes onto distinct cathodes enables independent optimization of both steps, significantly boosting efficiency. The system rapidly removes bisphenol AF in saline environments with a 98% mineralization rate, maintaining excellent stability during continuous operation for 90 hours. By eliminating energy-intensive aeration, this breakthrough provides a scalable, sustainable solution for in situ water remediation applicable to diverse aquatic environments.
Figure 2. Schematic diagram of sequential dual-cathode electro-AOPs system
Paper link: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202513329
A review titled “A review of H₂O₂ electrosynthesis by 2-electron ORR and 2-electron WOR: From catalysts to electrochemical cells” by the team of Zhang Yinqiao and Zuo Sijin from our university, in collaboration with Tsinghua University and China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), has been published in the top-tier journal Coordination Chemistry Reviews. Zuo Sijin and Zhang Yinqiao are the corresponding authors of the paper.
This review systematically summarizes research progress in two H₂O₂ electrochemistry processes—covering both catalyst development (including metal-based and carbon-based catalysts) and electrochemical cell design. It explores factors influencing laboratory and industrial-scale applications, proposes new insights such as standardized evaluation systems and total cost accounting, and provides an in-depth analysis of field challenges. The review encompasses core background knowledge and development trends in electrochemical H₂O₂ synthesis, aiding in advancing the practical application of this technology.
Figure 3. Effect of catalyst surface interactions with intermediates on the electro-generation of H₂O₂.
Paper link: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202513329
