Zirconia on Reduced Graphene Oxide Sheets: Synergistic Catalyst with High Selectivity for H2O2 Electrogeneration

In situ electrogeneration of hydrogen peroxide through the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) represents a potentially greener route for wastewater treatment. However, the development of adequate catalysts following a two‐electron pathway with high selectivity and low overpotential is still of great importance. To address this issue, nanoparticles of zirconium oxide supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets were prepared through a hydrothermal reaction, and the composite catalysts were tested for the ORR in both acid and alkaline media. The presence of zirconium oxides (ZrO2‐x and ZrO2) significantly improved the activity of rGO for the ORR and its selectivity toward H2O2 electrogeneration. Indeed, an increase from 73.7 to 89.5% was obtained in acid solution, and from 72.9 to 83.1% in alkaline medium. The high activity of the composite catalysts is assigned to the synergistic effect between ZrO2‐x and rGO. The highest selectivity for H2O2 electrogeneration was correlated to the presence of ZrO2 phase. In addition, the zirconia‐rGO catalysts are stable and reusable. Therefore, these composites are very promising catalysts to be used in gas diffusion electrodes for advanced oxidation processes. ORR selection: Zirconium oxide on reduced graphene oxide is prepared for the first time by using a hydrothermal method, aiming at improving the selectivity of graphene to H2O2 electrogeneration at low overpotential. The electrocatalytic performance towards the oxygen reduction reaction is also investigated by using a rotating ring‐disk electrode in acid and alkaline media.