Recent Advances in Mechanistic Understanding of Metal-Free Carbon Thermocatalysis and Electrocatalysis with Model Molecules

Highlights Mechanistic understandings of metal-free carbon thermocatalysis and electrocatalysis from the viewpoint of model method are summarized. Active sites and reaction mechanisms are discussed with a focus on in-situ techniques and 2D structure–activity relationships. The real contribution of each alien species, defect and edge configuration to catalytic reactions are systematically highlighted at a molecular level.