Nanocarbon for Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis: Dopants, Edges, and Defects

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) Vol. 29; no. 13; pp. np - n/a
• Main Authors: Tang, Cheng, Zhang, Qiang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.04.2017
• Subjects: Catalysis; Charge distribution; Chemisorption; Defects; Dopants; Doping; edge effect; Electrocatalysis; Electrocatalysts; Electron spin; Electron transfer; Materials science; nanocarbon catalysis; Nanostructure; Origins; Oxygen; oxygen reduction; Reduction (metal working); Renewable energy; doping; nanocarbon catalysis; edge effect; oxygen reduction; defects
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201604103

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the cornerstone of various sustainable energy‐conversion technologies. Metal‐free nanocarbon electrocatalysts with competitive activity, enhanced durability, and satisfactory cost, have been proposed as the most promising substitute for precious‐metal catalysts. However, their further development is still primarily based on trial‐and‐error approaches due to the controversial knowledge of critical active sites and mechanisms. Herein, the activity origins of nanocarbon‐based ORR electro­catalysts are comprehensively reviewed and correlated, considering the dopants, edges, and defects. Analogously, they can effectively modify the charge/spin distribution on the sp2‐conjugated carbon matrix, leading to optimized intermediate chemisorption and facilitated electron transfer. Specific doping at defective edges is expected to render practical applications for metal‐free nanocarbon electrocatalysts. Activity origins of nanocarbon‐based oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts are comprehensively discussed, considering the dopants, edges, and defects. They can effectively modify the charge/spin distribution on the sp2‐conjugated carbon matrix, leading to similar activity origin. The specific doping at the defective edges is expected to bring the metal‐free nanocarbon catalysts to practical applications.