Waste-derived green N-doped materials: mechanistic insights, synthesis, and comprehensive evaluation

Abstract

Nitrogen (N)-doped materials derived from biomass hold great promise for energy storage, gas adsorption, catalysis, and water treatment, offering an effective strategy for waste valorization. Precise control over temperature and nitrogen doping levels has been shown to enhance the surface area and multifunctional properties. This review begins by covering fundamental principles such as band gap and electronegativity, followed by an analysis of N-doping preparation methods, focusing on pyridinic N, graphitic N, and oxidized N and their applications, especially in energy storage, carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture, and as catalysts for hydrogen generation. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are carried out to elucidate the structural and electrochemical properties of N-doped materials. This review seeks to advance the sustainable development of waste-derived green materials by conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis of material activation and carbonization mechanisms. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges, perspectives, and prospects of waste valorisation for green N-doped materials, exploring their potential across diverse applications.