Photocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction to Generate H2O2 Over Carbon-Based Nanosheet Catalysts

Photocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has attracted significant attention as a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. Carbon-based nanosheet catalysts have emerged as promising materials for this reaction due to their unique structural and electronic properties. In this chapter, we investigate the photocatalytic performance of carbon-based nanosheet catalysts for the selective synthesis of H2O2. The carbon-based nanosheets were synthesized via a facile and scalable method, resulting in a high surface area and excellent dispersion of active sites. The efficient charge transfer and oxygen reduction kinetics were attributed to the carbon-based nanosheets’ unique electronic structure and abundant active sites. This chapter provides valuable insights into the design and development of efficient carbon-based nanosheet catalysts for photocatalytic ORR to generate H2O2, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies. In addition, we also include the synergistic effect of combining a semiconductor photocatalyst, metal–organic framework (MOF), and carbon nanosheets for efficient H2O2 generation. The semiconductor photocatalyst provides light absorption and charge separation capabilities, while the MOF and carbon nanosheets serve as co-catalysts to enhance catalytic activity and selectivity. The carbon nanosheets, synthesized through a scalable method, offer a high surface area and abundant active sites, promoting efficient charge transfer and catalytic reaction kinetics. With its porous structure and metal active sites, the MOF acts as a promoter by facilitating the adsorption and activation of reactants. This chapter explores the potential of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as a promising photocatalyst for H2O2 generation. The unique electronic and structural properties of g-C3N4 make it an ideal candidate for efficient charge separation and redox reactions under visible light irradiation. The synthesis of g-C3N4 photocatalysts with varying morphologies and compositions can optimize their photocatalytic performance. The effects of modification to g-C3N4 enhance the catalytic activity and selectivity toward H2O2 production. The optimized g-C3N4 photocatalyst exhibits remarkable activity, surpassing conventional metal-based catalysts in efficiency and stability. The insights gained from this chapter contribute to the fundamental understanding of g-C3N4-based photocatalysis for H2O2 production and pave the way for the development of sustainable energy conversion technologies. The promising performance of g-C3N4 in photocatalytic H2O2 generation underscores its potential for practical applications in areas such as wastewater treatment, energy storage, and chemical synthesis.