Doped graphenes in catalysis

• Graphenes can be sustainable catalysts.
• Graphenes can be easily doped with heteroatoms.
• Doped graphenes can act as metal-free catalysts.
• Doped graphenes can act as supports of metal nanoparticles.
• Heteroatoms play a role on the activity.

Due to the availability and easy preparation, graphenes are currently under intense investigation for various applications in chemistry including their use as metal-free catalysts. The presence in low percentage of heteroatoms on the graphene sheet (“doping”) has become a general strategy to modify the electron density, electrical conductivity and other properties of graphenes. The influence of doping can be reflected on the use of these materials in catalysis. After a brief introduction presenting the unique properties and features of graphenes and the reasons why they are suitable to be applicable in catalysis, the present review focuses on those reports describing the use of doped graphenes as metal-free catalyst or as support of metal nanoparticles, electro- and photo-catalysis is excluded. Preparation methods of doped graphenes and adequate characterization techniques providing important information, particularly with respect to the active site in catalysis, are briefly presented before the main body of the review describing common features and relevant examples of the use of doped graphenes in catalysis. Also general traits of graphenes of support of metal nanoparticles have been commented. The final section summarizes the main conclusions and provides our view future developments in the field. The purpose of the present review is not to provide an exhaustive account of all the existing literature, but rather to introduce the reader in the opportunities and advantages that doped graphenes offer with regard to the use either as metal free catalyst or support of metal nanoparticles.

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