Nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials: To the mechanism of growth, electrical conductivity and application in catalysis

The doping of carbon nanomaterials with nitrogen produces changes in their electrophysical, adsorption and catalytic properties. The catalytic synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials (N-CNMs) is performed at moderate temperatures, leads to selective formation of N-CNMs and is therefore more attractive than the physical synthesis methods. The review discusses the mechanism of N-CNMs catalytic growth; the understanding of this mechanism is essential in the synthesis of active and stable catalysts for the production of N-CNMs. Literature data on the surface properties and application of N-CNMs as catalysts and catalyst supports are also reviewed; the effect of nitrogen content and type on physicochemical and catalytic properties of N-CNMs is analyzed.