journal article·2026-01

Metal‐Free Carbon Catalysts for Cathodic Electro‐Synthesis into Value‐Added Products via Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Nitrate Reductions

Xiaofeng Zhu, Zhaotang Zhang, Linjie Zhao, Hengji Dengyang, Renyu Zhang, Chengcheng Dai, Jun Wang, Chuangang Hu

Small· Volume 22· Issue 2
Publisher page

Abstract

Abstract Electrochemical cathodic reductions offer promising approaches for the green synthesis of value‐added chemicals, including hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and ammonia (NH 3 ). Compared with traditional processes, the decentralized electro‐synthesis enables on‐site production with minimal carbon footprint. In these systems, cathodic catalysts critically govern the overall activity and selectivity of these multi‐step reactions. Among the various reported catalysts, carbon‐based metal‐free electrocatalysts (C‐MFECs) have attracted extensive attention, owing to their high conductivity, structural tunability, chemical stability, and eco‐friendliness. Given the shared principles in material design and synthesis, this review systematically summarizes recent advances in C‐MFECs for H 2 O 2 and NH 3 electro‐synthesis via oxygen, nitrogen, and nitrate reduction reactions. Special focus is placed on the design strategies for C‐MFECs, demonstrating universal understandings of non‐metal doping and defect construction in these important reactions. In addition, innovations in electrode architecture and reactor configuration are highlighted to address challenges in achieving high current densities and efficient product separation. Finally, major challenges and perspectives specific to C‐MFECs in oxygen, nitrogen, and nitrate electroreductions are highlighted to inform future advances in H 2 O 2 and NH 3 electro‐synthesis.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction · Environmental remediation with nanomaterials · CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

State Key Laboratory of Environment‐Friendly Energy Materials School of Materials and Chemistry Southwest University of Science and Technology Mianyang 621010 China

State Key Laboratory of Organic‐Inorganic Composites Beijing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Design and Manufacturing for Hydrogen Energy Materials College of Chemical Engineering Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · China Postdoctoral Science Foundation · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of Beijing University of Chemical Technology

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