Researchers from Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU) have developed a groundbreaking strategy to dramatically enhance the efficiency and selectivity of solar-driven hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production, addressing a major bottleneck in sustainable chemical synthesis. The work was published in the world-leading premier chemistry journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition (IF:16.1).

a) Schematic illustration of the electron reversal strategy for reinforcing O₂ adsorption; b) Schematic diagram illustrating the electron transfer reversal to discharge dz²-orbital electron for enhancing Au-O₂ interaction. [Photo/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.202425038]

Solar-driven oxygen reduction reaction in an air environment represents a promising pathway for sustainable H₂O₂ photosynthesis. However, the host photocatalysts commonly suffer from the rapid recombination of photogenerated charges and slow kinetics of two-electron oxygen reduction reaction, leading to low photocatalytic H₂O₂-evolution efficiency.

Led by Prof. Su Yaorong, the research team from the College of New Materials and New Energies designed a novel core-shell cocatalyst, NiS@Au, and proposed an innovative electron-transfer reversal to direct the free-electron transfer in a way that enables highly selective 2e^–-ORR on Au cocatalysts. This work provides novel insights on purposefully steering free-electron transfer direction to engineer dz²-orbital occupancy, offering a feasible approach for designing highly active photocatalysts and beyond.

Drafted by Daisy（姚琦）/ International Cooperation and Exchanges Department

Revised by Brian（郑斌）/ International Cooperation and Exchanges Department

Edited by Brian（郑斌）/ International Cooperation and Exchanges Department