Nitrogen-Rich Carbonaceous Materials for Advanced Oxygen Electrocatalysis: Synthesis, Characterization, and Activity of Nitrogen Sites

摘要

Nitrogen-doped carbons are among the fastest-growing class of materialsused for oxygen electrocatalysis, namely, the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), thanks to their low cost, environmentalfriendliness, excellent electrical conductivity, and scalable synthesis. Theperspective of replacing precious metal-based electrocatalysts with nitrogendopedcarbon is highly desirable for reducing costs in energy conversion andstorage systems. In this review, the role of nitrogen and N-induced structuraldefects on the enhanced performance of N-doped carbon electrocatalyststoward the OER and the ORR as well as their applications for energy conversionand storage technologies is summarized. The synthesis of N-dopedcarbon electrocatalysts and the characterization of their nitrogen functionalgroups and active sites for the conversion of oxygen are also reviewed. Theelectrocatalytic performance of the main types of N-doped carbon materialsfor OER/ORR electrocatalysis are then discussed. Finally, major challengesand future opportunities of N-doped carbons as advanced oxygen electrocatalystsare highlighted.