Impact of Palladium Loading and Interparticle Distance on the Selectivity for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction toward Hydrogen Peroxide

A successful market introduction of electrocatalytically produced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) requires catalysts that are highly selective, active, and economically suitable. Here, we present important insights into tuning the selectivity toward H2O2 and elaborate on the opportunities opened for high catalytic performance. Especially the metal loading, the accompanied interparticle distance, and catalyst support interaction were identified as key contributors for high selectivity and activity. We focused on the design of model catalysts with different Pd loadings and distinct interparticle distances and their dependency on the selectivity toward H2O2. The gained understandings can be used as guidelines for the development of highly active and selective catalysts while simultaneously reducing the noble metal loading and the associated costs.