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Nanocarbon for Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis: Dopants, Edges, and Defects
Author(s) -
Tang Cheng,
Zhang Qiang
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201604103
Subject(s) - dopant , materials science , electrocatalyst , oxygen reduction reaction , oxygen reduction , catalysis , nanotechnology , carbon fibers , chemisorption , doping , metal , electrochemistry , electrode , optoelectronics , chemistry , organic chemistry , metallurgy , composite material , composite number
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 sp 2 ‐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.