The Concept of Noble, Heteroatom-Doped Carbons, Their Directed Synthesis by Electronic Band Control of Carbonization, and Applications in Catalysis and Energy Materials

Carbonization of organic compounds with a highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level more positive than 1.3 V practically automatically results in highly sp(2)-conjugated, heteroatom-doped carbons. Due to the stability of the starting compounds, carbon bond formation is restricted to result in morphologies with a surprisingly high local order which as such are noble, i.e., they are hard to oxidize and combust. The work function of electrons in these systems is so positive that the systems usually accept electrons, i.e., they oxidize other matter rather than being oxidized. Such noble, heteroatom-doped carbons have been proven to be efficient, metal-free electrocatalysts, but can be also beneficially used in the manufacturing of carbon nanomaterials for energy applications or as highly active, non-innocent catalytic supports.