In this study, pyrolytic carbons derived from kraft lignin extracted from sugarcane bagasse and straw were systematically characterized to elucidate the relationship between their structure, composition, and electrocatalytic performance toward the oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) reactions in alkaline media. Elemental analysis of lignin precursors revealed that straw lignin has a higher silicate content than bagasse lignin, which, together with pyrolysis temperature, strongly influences specific surface area, defect density, and degree of graphitization. Cyclic voltammetry shows that both carbons exhibit measurable ORR activity in 1 M KOH, whereas no significant OER activity was observed. The ORR proceeds mainly through a two-electron pathway producing peroxide intermediates for carbons obtained at 550 °C, while partial graphitization at 1000 °C promotes a mixed two–four-electron process associated with enhanced conductivity and reorganization of edge defects. Straw-derived carbons obtained at 1000 °C displayed higher cathodic currents but also greater instability at anodic potentials, indicating enhanced surface reactivity yet lower corrosion resistance. Overall, sugarcane-derived lignins are shown to be versatile carbon materials. Their tunable structural features, from highly defective amorphous networks to partially graphitized domains, enable application-specific optimization favoring ORR electrocatalysis in alkaline fuel cells and metal-air batteries.
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