Synthesis and electrochemical applications of nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials

Nitrogen doping is an effective way to tailor the properties of the shaped carbon materials, including the nanotubes, nanocups, nanofibers, as well as the nanorods, and render their potential use for various applications. The common bonding configurations obtained on the N insertion is the pyridinic N and pyrrolic N, which impart the characteristic properties to these carbon materials. This review will focus on the nitrogen-doped carbon materials, the doping effect on the electrochemistry of the doped nanomaterials, and the various synthetic methods to introduce N into the carbon network. The potential applications of the N-doped materials are also reviewed on the basis of the experimental and theoretical studies in electrochemistry.