Synthesis and applications of biomass-derived electrocatalysts in water electrolysis

Despite the great potential of electrolytic water technology, the four-electron transfer process of oxygen evolution reaction limits its full application to a slow and energy-consuming process, which is further limited by precious metals are the most efficient catalysts. The inherent three-dimensional nature of biomass materials, coupled with their distinctive microstructure and affordability, makes them perfect for electrocatalysis, and their extensive specific surface area (partially up to 3488 m2/g) offers ample active sites for strong synergistic effects among dopant atoms. In this work, we present a comprehensive review of recent research progress on biomass-derived carbon-based electrocatalysts, focused on three aspects: synthesis strategy of biomass-derived carbon, heteroatom doping and electrochemical properties of biomass-carbon-based materials in water electrolysis. It is found that the doping of atoms enhances the graphitization of biomass carbon and the sorption and dissociation of H+. Finally, the limitations of the current research on biomass-derived carbon-based electrocatalyst materials are analyzed.