Clean Technology for Resource, Energy and Environment

Vol. 1 (2025)
Articles

Algae-derived Electrocatalysts for Energy Applications: Synthesis, Performance and Prospects

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  • Yashu Guo,
  • Lei Ding,
  • Hongyu Liu,
  • Ning-hao Wang,
  • Dongle Cheng
Yashu Guo
Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China
Lei Ding
Centre for Atomaterials and Nanomanufacturing, School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hongyu Liu
Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China
Ning-hao Wang
Department of Chemistry, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
Dongle Cheng
College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China

Published 2025-12-22

Keywords

  • Algal biomass,
  • Bio-derived electrocatalysts,
  • Energy conversion,
  • Carbon materials,
  • Sustainable catalysis

How to Cite

Algae-derived Electrocatalysts for Energy Applications: Synthesis, Performance and Prospects. (2025). Clean Technology for Resource, Energy and Environment, 1, 33-50. https://www.jcleantree.com/index.php/ctree/article/view/5

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Abstract

In recent years, the overgrowth of certain algae species has posed a potential risk to the aquatic environment and ecological balance. However, algal biomass can serve as an ideal precursor for sustainable catalysts due to its rapid growth, widespread distribution, renewable nature, and low cost. The rational utilization of waste algae represents a dual innovative strategy for environmental remediation and energy conversion. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in algae biomass-derived electrocatalysts, beginning with an overview of common synthesis methods, including pyrolysis and protein-assisted sol–gel processes, and emphasizing their structural and functional merits. Benefiting from the intrinsic heteroatoms and natural cellular architectures of algal biomass, algae-derived carbon materials exhibit high specific surface areas, which contribute to structural optimization and enhanced electronic properties. This review provides guidance for future research on bio-derived catalysts.

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