Research Progress of Graphene‑Based Catalysts in Electrochemistry

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jiem.202603305

Author(s)

Zhiming Wang

Affiliation(s)

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China

Abstract

The energy crisis and CO₂ emissions caused by excessive fossil fuel consumption urgently need to be addressed. Electrocatalytic technologies (ORR, OER, HER, CO₂RR) are central to clean energy conversion but are limited by high cost and low efficiency. Graphene, owing to its large specific surface area, high electrical conductivity, and tunable surface chemistry, has become an ideal catalyst support. This review systematically summarizes the research progress of graphene‑based catalysts in the above reactions, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of preparation methods such as high‑temperature pyrolysis, microwave, and spray drying, and classifies the structure–activity relationships of noble metal, non‑noble metal, heteroatom‑doped, and three‑dimensional graphene catalysts. Studies show that through defect engineering, heteroatom co‑doping, and morphological design, certain graphene-based catalysts have outperformed commercial Pt/C in terms of functionality and stability, demonstrating kilogram‑scale production potential. The review serves as a guide for the logical creation of high-efficiency electrocatalysts based on graphene.

Keywords

Graphene; Electrocatalysis; Preparation Methods; Oxygen Reduction Reaction; Carbon Dioxide Reduction

References

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