Carbon‐Based Materials for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction

The development of low-cost, highly active, and stable nonprecious metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts to get rid of or reduce the dependence on precious metal platinum is crucial for the large-scale application of fuel cells. Carbon-based catalysts are potential substitutes for noble metal catalysts in the ORR owing to their excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, high specific surface area, and acid and alkali resistance. In this chapter, we concentrate on providing a comprehensive overview of recent strategies and developments in carbon material catalysts for ORR from both theoretical and experimental perspectives, involving the metal-free carbon-based catalysts and metal-containing carbon-based catalysts. Specifically, the synthesis strategies, the relationship between structure and performance, and the catalytic mechanisms of the state-of-the-art carbon-based catalysts for ORR are systemically discussed. Finally, based on the above analysis, the conclusions and outlook of carbon-based catalysts for electrocatalytic ORR are provided.