Jzhao

Doping and defect‐engineering of nanocarbons represent an attractive alternative for metal‐free carbon‐based catalysts, as well as functionalization and their thermal treatment. A considerable amount of research has been conducted for a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms of carbon‐based catalysis, which will allow precise control and use of such nanocarbon catalysts.

Abstract

With the advent of carbon nanotechnology, which initiated significant research efforts more than two decades ago, novel materials for energy harvesting and storage have emerged at an amazing pace. Nevertheless, some fundamental applications are still dominated by traditional materials, and it is especially evident in the case of catalysis, and environmental‐related electrochemical reactions, where precious metals such as Pt and Ir are widely used. Several strategies are being explored for achieving competitive and feasible metal‐free carbon nanomaterials, among which doping and defect engineering approaches within nanocarbons are recurrent and promising. Here, the most recent efforts regarding the control of doping and defects in carbon nanostructures for catalysis, and in particular for energy‐related applications, are addressed. Finally, an overview of alternative proposals that can make a difference when enabling carbon nanomaterials as efficient and emerging catalysts is presented.