Research progress on hydrogen peroxide photosynthesis from only water and oxygen over polymer photocatalysts

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) photosynthesis from water and oxygen is a green and sustainable process with considerable promise as an alternative to the traditional anthraquinone method and an important method to realize decentralized production. Recently, several photocatalysts for H₂O₂ photosynthesis have been developed. Among these, polymer-based photocatalysts with flexible and tunable structural characteristics, broad optical responses and the potential for efficient H₂O₂ generation have attracted increasing attention. Herein, we critically review the state-of-the-art progress in polymer-based photocatalysts for H₂O₂ photosynthesis using only water and oxygen. Notably, enhancement strategies for H₂O₂ production over photocatalysts are emphasized, including carbon nitride, donor–acceptor conjugated frameworks and supramolecular polymers, and the relationship between the material structure and H₂O₂ production performance is also discussed. Finally, we discuss the challenges for further studies on H₂O₂ photosynthesis over polymer-based photocatalysts.