Metal‐Free Electrocatalysts for the Selective 2 e−Oxygen Reduction Reaction: A Never‐Ending Story?

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) electrosynthesis via the 2e(-) Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) represents a highly challenging, environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to the current anthraquinone-based technology. Various lightweight element hetero-doped carbon nanostructures are promising and cheap metal-free electrocatalysts for H2O2 synthesis, particularly those containing O-functionalities. The exact role of O-containing functional groups as electroactive sites for the process remains debated if not highly controversial. Herein, we have reported on the covalent exohedral functionalization of the outer surface of extra-pure multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with discrete O-functional groups as a unique approach to prepare selective electrocatalysts for the process. This kind of decoration has added fundamental tiles to the puzzling structure/reactivity relationship of O-containing carbon-based catalysts for ORR, clearing doubts on the controversial role of hydroxyl/phenol groups as key functionalities for the design of more performing 2e(-) ORR electrocatalysts.