In this work, we provide a comprehensive overview of donor–acceptor (D–A) conjugated polymers as highly promising photocatalysts for the sustainable production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in pure water. Conventional industrial synthesis via the anthraquinone process remains energy-intensive and environmentally burdensome. By contrast, solar-driven photocatalytic synthesis offers a green alternative, utilizing only water and oxygen under mild conditions.

Building on recent advances, we highlight how rational molecular engineering of D–A polymers significantly improves catalytic efficiency, selectivity, and stability, advancing the development of next-generation solar chemical technologies.

Key Insights

• D–A polymers enable efficient photocatalysis
  Their tunable band structures and strong charge separation enhance visible-light-driven H₂O₂ production.
• Molecular engineering boosts performance
  Rational design has increased H₂O₂ production rates by up to two orders of magnitude.
• Linkage and topology control charge dynamics
  Structural tuning improves exciton dissociation and charge transport efficiency.
• Active-site design improves selectivity
  Engineered sites favor the 2e⁻ ORR pathway, enhancing H₂O₂ selectivity.
• Mass transfer optimization enhances efficiency
  Porous and hydrophilic structures facilitate reactant diffusion and utilization.
• Performance gaps remain
  Current systems still fall short of industrial efficiency and scalability targets.

Significance of This Work

This review demonstrates that D–A conjugated polymers provide a versatile and tunable platform for solar-driven H₂O₂ production. Through coordinated advances in molecular design, linkage engineering, topology modulation, and catalytic site optimization, substantial progress has been achieved in improving photocatalytic performance.

At the same time, we identify key challenges, including limited solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency, insufficient long-term stability, and the lack of clear structure–activity relationships. We emphasize that emerging approaches such as machine learning-guided design and advanced operando characterization will play a critical role in accelerating future breakthroughs.

Overall, we anticipate that continued interdisciplinary efforts will enable the development of efficient, durable, and scalable polymer photocatalysts, paving the way for decentralized and sustainable hydrogen peroxide production powered by sunlight.

Authors & Affiliations

Wang Wang; Jingzhao Cheng; Bei Cheng; Guoqiang Luo; Jingsan Xu; Shaowen Cao*

Affiliations:
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
Hubei Technology Innovation Center for Advanced Composites, Wuhan University of Technology, China
Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia

Corresponding Author:
Shaowen Cao (swcao@whut.edu.cn)

How to Cite This Article

Wang, W.; Cheng, J.; Cheng, B.; Luo, G.; Xu, J.; Cao, S. (2026).
Donor–acceptor conjugated polymers for the photosynthesis of H₂O₂ in pure water.
Catal, 2, 13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44422-026-00026-w