Rational design of graphitic carbon based nanostructures for advanced electrocatalysis

Abstract

The development of electrocatalysts plays a pivotal role in electrocatalytic reactions because the catalyst determines not only the overall reaction efficiency but also the cost. Carbon materials with good electrical conductivity and large surface area have been used as efficient electrocatalyst supports for a wide range of electrocatalyses. Recently, it has been realized that carbons themselves are also promising nonmetal electrocatalysts. In this regard, the electrocatalytic activities of carbons can be tailored by surface modification or building in particular dopants/defects. In the accumulation of the profound knowledge of the electrocatalytic nature and the technological advances, there is increasing interest in developing carbon-based catalysts for various applications. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the rational design and preparation of graphitic carbon-based materials for advanced electrocatalysis including oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, hydrogen evolution reaction, and carbon dioxide reduction, to provide deep insights into the electrocatalysis for advanced energy conversion and storage.