Nanocarbons as platforms for developing novel catalytic composites: overview and prospects

Nanocarbons (e.g. graphene, carbon nanotubes, ordered mesoporous carbon, carbon nanofiber, etc.) are widely regarded as promising platforms for developing novel catalytic composites. These catalytic nanocarbon composites have performed exceptionally well in various catalysis processes including chemical catalysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis. This is contributed by their unique intrinsic and extrinsic properties such as high graphitization degree, versatile surface chemistry, and novel morphology. In this review, we provide a short overview on the recent status of the nanocarbons used for preparing various novel catalytic composites. The criteria for developing a high performance nanocarbon composites are assessed and the challenges are critically identified. Finally, we discuss potential future research directions in this field which include developing robust fabrication methodologies, improving the interface and charge transfer, improving the durablity of the catalyst, minimizing the environmental impact, and investigation by advanced characterization methods and modelling.