Nanoporous Carbons for Hydrogen Sorption and Electrochemical Energy Storage

This Reprint presents a curated collection of research articles highlighting recent progress in the synthesis, modification and application of nanoporous carbon materials for hydrogen sorption and electrochemical energy storage. With global energy systems shifting toward sustainability, carbon-based materials have emerged as critical enablers in energy conversion and storage technologies, due to their high surface area, tunable porosity and chemical versatility. The featured studies explore a diverse range of approaches, including biomass-derived carbons, plasma-treated graphene and hybrid materials integrating dopants and electrocatalysts. The applications investigated range from electrocatalysis for water splitting and oxygen reduction reactions, to high-performance supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. Both experimental and theoretical studies, such as those based on Density Functional Theory, are included, emphasizing the importance of structural engineering at the nanoscale to improve ion accessibility, electron transport and catalytic activity. This Reprint serves as a timely reference for researchers and engineers investigating advanced carbon materials and their use in next-generation hydrogen and energy storage systems.