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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

Nitrogen-Doped Biocarbon Derived from Alginate-Extraction Residues of Sargassum spp.: Towards Low-Cost Electrocatalysts for Alkaline ORR

by
Aurora Caldera
1,
Beatriz Escobar
1,2,*,
Juan Briceño
1,
José M. Baas-López
1,
Romeli Barbosa
1 and
Jorge Uribe
1
1
Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C. Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34, Chuburná de Hidalgo, Mérida C.P. 97205, México
2
IXM-Secihti- Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Carretera Sierra Papacal-Chuburná Puerto, Km 5, Sierra Papacal, Mérida C.P. 97302, México
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Chemistry 2025, 7(5), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemistry7050144
Submission received: 17 June 2025 / Revised: 29 July 2025 / Accepted: 21 August 2025 / Published: 3 September 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Catalysis)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Extraction processes of alginates from Sargassum spp. generate a substantial number of solid residues that are commonly discarded. This study explores the sustainable transformation of these residues into nitrogen-doped biocarbon through chemical activation with KOH and nitrogen doping using urea. XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX, Raman spectroscopy, BET surface area analysis, XPS, and CHNS elemental analysis were used to characterize the materials. The doped and activated biocarbon (BDA) demonstrated excellent physicochemical properties, including a specific surface area of 1790 m2 g−1 and a mesoporous structure. Electrochemical evaluation in alkaline media revealed a current density of −4.37 mA cm−2, an onset potential of 0.922 E vs. RHE, and a half-wave potential of 0.775 E vs. RHE. Koutecky–Levich analysis indicated a two-electron reduction pathway. The superior performance was attributed to the synergistic effects of high surface area, nitrogen functionalities (pyridinic-N and pyrrolic-N), and enhanced accessibility of active sites. These results highlight the potential of waste-derived, nitrogen-doped biocarbon as a sustainable and low-cost alternative for ORR electrocatalysis in alkaline fuel cells.
Keywords: biocarbon; biomass; waste; alkaline media biocarbon; biomass; waste; alkaline media

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MDPI and ACS Style

Caldera, A.; Escobar, B.; Briceño, J.; Baas-López, J.M.; Barbosa, R.; Uribe, J. Nitrogen-Doped Biocarbon Derived from Alginate-Extraction Residues of Sargassum spp.: Towards Low-Cost Electrocatalysts for Alkaline ORR. Chemistry 2025, 7, 144. https://doi.org/10.3390/chemistry7050144

AMA Style

Caldera A, Escobar B, Briceño J, Baas-López JM, Barbosa R, Uribe J. Nitrogen-Doped Biocarbon Derived from Alginate-Extraction Residues of Sargassum spp.: Towards Low-Cost Electrocatalysts for Alkaline ORR. Chemistry. 2025; 7(5):144. https://doi.org/10.3390/chemistry7050144

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caldera, Aurora, Beatriz Escobar, Juan Briceño, José M. Baas-López, Romeli Barbosa, and Jorge Uribe. 2025. "Nitrogen-Doped Biocarbon Derived from Alginate-Extraction Residues of Sargassum spp.: Towards Low-Cost Electrocatalysts for Alkaline ORR" Chemistry 7, no. 5: 144. https://doi.org/10.3390/chemistry7050144

APA Style

Caldera, A., Escobar, B., Briceño, J., Baas-López, J. M., Barbosa, R., & Uribe, J. (2025). Nitrogen-Doped Biocarbon Derived from Alginate-Extraction Residues of Sargassum spp.: Towards Low-Cost Electrocatalysts for Alkaline ORR. Chemistry, 7(5), 144. https://doi.org/10.3390/chemistry7050144

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