Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an environmentally friendly and efficient oxidant, which is widely used in medical, semiconductor chip and other industries. The electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide by oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has great potential to replace the traditional anthraquinone method. To commercialize this process, the development of 2e- ORR electrocatalysts with high activity, high selectivity and long-term stability is imminently. Here, this article systematically presents the research of currently available metal and non-metal based catalysts, with special emphasis on the control strategy of surface groups, and resolves effects on bond binding strength and electron transfer pathways of intermediates in the reduction process. We focus on key strategies such as electronic and geometric effects, coordination heteroatom doping, and active sites of nonmetal-based materials, highlighting that appropriate meso-structural engineering and kinetic strategies can further optimize the catalytic activity and H2O2 selectivity of existing catalysts. Finally, the challenges of exploring the active centers of non-metallic catalysts, the influence of electrolyte environment on catalysts and industrial equipment design with larger output power are pointed out, and the directions of development in the field of electrocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide are presented.