Metal-free carbocatalysis for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction: Activity origin and mechanism

Abstract Although scientists have conducted long-term and extensive studies on oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyzed by metal-free carbon materials, they mainly have focused on the preparation and properties of various doped carbon materials. There is still a lack of systematic scientific guidance on the relationship between the surface structure regulation and activity of carbon-based catalysts. In this review, some of electrochemical and computational fundamental concepts about ORR are concisely summarized. The effects of edge defect and nonmetallic doping of carbon materials on ORR behavior and mechanism have been reviewed, and activity origin identification and intermediate conversion mechanism have been discussed. The outlooks for future researches on metal-free ORR electrocatalysis are suggested.