Advanced characterization enables a new era of efficient carbon dots electrocatalytic reduction

Abstract

The significant potential of electrocatalytic reduction reactions to address the world's energy crisis and protect the environment has established them as a crucial area of investigation. In recent years, the value of zero-dimensional carbon dots (CDs), which show great promise as electrocatalysts for solving the energy crisis, has become increasingly prominent as research continues to elucidate their large specific surface area, abundant surface functional groups, and unique electron transfer ability. Accordingly, understanding the fundamental relationship between the structures and properties of CDs and their creation mechanism will be critical in directing the synthesis of CDs and achieving superior catalytic performance. Furthermore, it is of particular importance to ascertain the precise source of catalytic activity and to gain an understanding of the reaction mechanism of the catalytic process, given the complexity of the structural composition of CDs. Accordingly, this review initially presents a comprehensive description and analysis of the classification, preparation, performance adjustment, and significance of CDs. On this basis, the latest research advances in improving the electrocatalytic activity and stability of CDs materials are evaluated from the perspectives of advanced in-situ and ex-situ characterization. Furthermore, the challenges and corresponding solutions for the development of high-performance CDs catalysts are highlighted to encourage the generation of innovative thinking and approaches for further investigation based on a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between CDs and electrocatalytic performance. This review is intended to enhance the knowledge of cutting-edge CDs electrocatalysis materials and advance their application in the creation of next-generation high-energy electrocatalytic materials.