Carbonaceous Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalysts: From Defect and Doping-Induced Activity over Hybrid Compounds to...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for hydrogen production via water electrolysis.
• Noble-metal and transition metal oxide catalysts are traditional but expensive.
• Carbonaceous electrocatalysts present a cost-effective and abundant alternative with diverse structures and compositions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in carbon-based electrocatalysts for OER.
• To explore the structural and compositional factors influencing catalytic activity.
• To discuss the mechanisms, stability, and synergistic effects of carbonaceous OER catalysts.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on carbon-based OER catalysts.
• Analysis of various carbon material types: doped carbons, carbon/metal compounds, and composites.
• Examination of ordered carbon frameworks like MOFs and COFs for rational design.

Main Results:

• Carbon materials, including doped and composite structures, show significant promise for OER.
• Ordered carbon frameworks enable precise control over doping and structure for enhanced OER performance.
• Understanding the origin of activity and stability is key to optimizing carbonaceous catalysts.

Conclusions:

• Carbon-based materials are viable alternatives to noble metals for OER catalysis.
• Rational design of carbon structures, particularly using MOFs and COFs, can lead to highly efficient and stable OER electrocatalysts.
• Further research into OER mechanisms on carbonaceous materials will accelerate energy storage advancements.