Graphene-Based Nanostructures in Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction

TL;DR

This paper reviews the use of graphene-based nanostructures in electrocatalytic oxygen reduction, focusing on active site creation, nanostructure design, stability, and metal support interactions for fuel cell applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental aspects and potential applications of graphene structures in oxygen reduction electrocatalysis, highlighting recent advances.

Findings

Heteroatom doping creates active catalytic sites.

Hierarchical nanostructures enhance electrocatalytic performance.

Graphene supports improve stability and metal dispersion.

Abstract

Application of graphene-type materials in electrocatalysis is a topic of growing scientific and technological interest. A tremendous amount of research has been carried out in the field of oxygen electroreduction, particularly with respect to potential applications in the fuel cell research also with use of graphene-type catalytic components. This work addresses fundamental aspects and potential applications of graphene structures in the oxygen reduction electrocatalysis. Special attention will be paid to creation of catalytically active sites by using non-metallic heteroatoms as dopants, formation of hierarchical nanostructured electrocatalysts, their long-term stability, and application as supports for dispersed metals (activating interactions).