Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes as Efficient Catalysts for Selective Oxidation Reactions: A Systematic Review

Authors

  • Madasu Venkata Murali Krishna Department of Chemistry, Shri Vishnu Engineering College for Women(A), Bhimavaram , Vishnu Women's University, Bhimavaram-534202, West Godavari, A.P, India Author
  • Lilly Grace Lankapalli Vishnu Women's University, Bhimavaram-534202, West Godavari , A.P Author

Keywords:

Carbon dots, dopped, catalyst, Redox, environment, metal free, metal supported

Abstract

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) have attracted considerable attention as metal-free or metal-supported catalysts for selective oxidation reactions, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional noble-metal-based systems. This systematic review critically evaluates and synthesizes the existing literature to clarify the structure-activity relationships governing N-CNT catalytic performance. We conducted a comprehensive literature search following the PRISMA guidelines to ensure transparency and reproducibility. Studies were included if they reported original experimental or computational data on N-CNTs for selective oxidation, provided material characterization, and were published in peer-reviewed English-language journals. The screened studies demonstrate that nitrogen doping consistently enhances catalytic activity and often alters selectivity compared to pristine carbon nanotubes across a wide range of reactions, including the oxidation of hydrocarbons, alcohols, and biomass-derived compounds. A consistent finding is that catalytic performance depends strongly on the type and relative abundance of nitrogen species; graphitic nitrogen is frequently linked to enhanced oxygen activation, while pyridinic nitrogen is associated with substrate adsorption or radical stabilization. The presence of other heteroatoms or surface oxygen groups can further modulate activity, sometimes synergistically. Notably, a few investigations reveal instances where nitrogen doping can suppress activity, underscoring the complexity of the catalytic mechanism. This review confirms that N-CNTs represent a versatile class of catalysts for selective oxidation, but key research gaps remain, including a lack of standardized benchmarking protocols, insufficient long-term stability studies, and a need for more in-depth mechanistic investigations using in-situ characterization and advanced computational modeling. Future research should prioritize the rational design of N-CNTs with controlled nitrogen speciation and systematic evaluation of their economic and environmental viability to translate their catalytic potential into practical applications.

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Published

2026-09-30

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Carbon Catalysis

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Copyright (c) 2026 Madasu Venkata Murali Krishna, Lilly Grace Lankapalli (Author)

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