Exploration of metal‐free 2D electrocatalysts toward the oxygen electroreduction

Abstract

The advancement of economical and readily available electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) holds paramount importance in the advancement of fuel cells and metal‐air batteries. Recently, 2D non‐metallic materials have obtained substantial attention as viable alternatives for ORR catalysts due to their manifold advantages, encompassing low cost, ample availability, substantial surface‐to‐volume ratio, high conductivity, exceptional durability, and competitive activity. The augmented ORR performances observed in metal‐free 2D materials typically arise from heteroatom doping, defects, or the formation of heterostructures. Here, the authors delve into the realm of electrocatalysts for the ORR, pivoting around metal‐free 2D materials. Initially, the merits of metal‐free 2D materials are explored and the reaction mechanism of the ORR is dissected. Subsequently, a comprehensive survey of diverse metal‐free 2D materials is presented, tracing their evolutionary journey from fundamental concepts to pragmatic applications in the context of ORR. Substantial importance is given on the exploration of various strategies for enhancing metal‐free 2D materials and assessing their impact on inherent material performance, including electronic properties. Finally, the challenges and future prospects that lie ahead for metal‐free 2D materials are underscored, as they aspire to serve as efficient ORR electrocatalysts.

Microwave-pulse synthesis of tunable 2D porous nickel-enriched LaMnxNi1−xO3 solid solution for efficient electrocatalytic urea oxidation

“…11 Unfortunately, the inherent limited conductivity of oxides typically significantly impacts their bulk/interface intrinsic catalytic activity. In recent years, as 2D materials have demonstrated unique physicochemical advantages at the atomic-level interface, 12,13 the preparation of 2D LaNiO 3 has proven effective in both enhancing electronic mobility and improving interface ion transport and reactions. 14 In addition to the unique nanostructure design, introducing a foreign element M through the B-site substitution modification strategy for LaNiO 3 effectively forms solid solution structure LaMn x Ni 1− x O 3 , leading to significant improvement in its electronic configuration (Fig.…”