In summary, we show H 2 O 2 production via the partial 2e -ORR to be kinetically favored over Au(111). The outlined path suggests O 2 adsorption as the first, rate-determining step of the mechanism. On a weak-binding surface such as Au(111), this step is only enabled through considerable electronic charge transfer to form a peroxo-like O 2 * chemisorbed state.