Influence of defects and impurities in low-dimensional carbon materials on heterogeneous electron transfer: Theory and experiments

Low-dimensional carbon-based materials hold significant potential for electrocatalytic applications. However, the role of defects and various additives in enhancing their electrochemical properties remains a subject of ongoing debate due to contradictory experimental data. Moreover, the complex interplay of various factors complicates the interpretation of defects-related effects. This mini-review presents recent studies on the role of defects in heterogeneous electron transfer, covering both experimental findings and theoretical modeling. It emphasizes the need for further development in electron transfer theory and experimental techniques to better elucidate the mechanisms behind the electrocatalytic behavior of defects.