Rational design of biomass-derived electrocatalysts for hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions: a synthetic strategy for multiple components and their corresponding properties

Abstract

H₂ produced via water electrolysis is a promising alternative to traditional energy, with electrodes playing a dominant role in the production process. To date, numerous studies have screened different types of biomass as precursors to synthesize electrocatalysts with practical functions, but the clear conclusions in this field are unfortunately absent. Therefore, herein, the recent advances in biomass-derived electrocatalysts for HER/OER processes are summarized, focusing on the design of carbonaceous structures from multiple components, the incorporation of supports with single or several metals and the available methods for their modification via defect engineering. Subsequently, the overall efficiency of electrochemical water splitting on a biomass-derived electrolyzer is discussed in depth together with the upgraded strategy for the so-called electrosynthesis of chemicals paired with H₂ production. Finally, the technical bottlenecks that need to be properly resolved in the near future for the development of these electrocatalysts originating from biomass are presented. It can be expected that this review will not only contribute to the in-depth knowledge on the rational synthesis of biomass-derived materials as electrodes, but also present new opportunities for the valorization of biomass resources in electrochemical applications.