Carbon-Based Metal-Free Electrocatalysis for Energy Conversion, Energy Storage, and Environmental Protection

Abstract Carbon-based metal-free catalysts possess desirable properties such as high earth abundance, low cost, high electrical conductivity, structural tunability, good selectivity, strong stability in acidic/alkaline conditions, and environmental friendliness. Because of these properties, these catalysts have recently received increasing attention in energy and environmental applications. Subsequently, various carbon-based electrocatalysts have been developed to replace noble metal catalysts for low-cost renewable generation and storage of clean energy and environmental protection through metal-free electrocatalysis. This article provides an up-to-date review of this rapidly developing field by critically assessing recent advances in the mechanistic understanding, structure design, and material/device fabrication of metal-free carbon-based electrocatalysts for clean energy conversion/storage and environmental protection, along with discussions on current challenges and perspectives. Graphical Abstract