Recent Progress of Biomass‐Derived Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Materials as Electrocatalysts: Carbonization, Functionalization, and Applications

ABSTRACT

Integrating renewable energy with electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies offers a promising approach for addressing pressing energy and environmental challenges. Within these technologies, nitrogen‐doped biomass‐derived carbon materials have gained significant attention as sustainable and multifunctional catalysts for several electrochemical processes, including the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO ₂ RR). These materials make use of the abundant and renewable nature of biomass while benefiting from nitrogen doping to enhance their catalytic performance. This review systematically examines recent progress in the field, starting with the carbonization and functionalization strategies employed to transform biomass into high‐performance nitrogen‐doped carbon materials. Key characterization techniques that provide insights into structure–activity relationships are highlighted. The review further explores the application of these materials as electrocatalysts, emphasizing their role in promoting reaction kinetics, enhancing selectivity, and improving stability across ORR, HER, and CO ₂ RR processes. Current challenges and future perspectives are discussed, providing a roadmap for advancing the design and deployment of biomass‐derived electrocatalysts for these reactions.