This review article focuses on the development and application of biomass-derived porous carbon materials as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in energy conversion devices such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), and zinc-air batteries (ZABs). The article highlights the importance of understanding the required properties of these materials and the role of synthetic pathways in creating platinum group metal (PGM)-free electrocatalysts. Despite recent advancements, the performance of biomass-derived materials still falls short of commercially available PGM-free electrocatalysts, particularly in terms of durability and stability. The review discusses various synthesis methods, including hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis, ammodiation, chemical or physical activation, and templating techniques, and evaluates the electrochemical performance of these materials. Key findings include the superior performance of materials with high specific surface areas, high electrical conductivity, and well-developed porous structures. The article also explores the impact of nitrogen doping and other heteroatoms on the ORR activity, emphasizing the importance of heteroatom content and bonding configurations. Overall, the review provides insights into improving the electrocatalytic activity of biomass-derived materials, highlighting their potential for sustainable and cost-effective energy conversion applications.This review article focuses on the development and application of biomass-derived porous carbon materials as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in energy conversion devices such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), and zinc-air batteries (ZABs). The article highlights the importance of understanding the required properties of these materials and the role of synthetic pathways in creating platinum group metal (PGM)-free electrocatalysts. Despite recent advancements, the performance of biomass-derived materials still falls short of commercially available PGM-free electrocatalysts, particularly in terms of durability and stability. The review discusses various synthesis methods, including hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis, ammodiation, chemical or physical activation, and templating techniques, and evaluates the electrochemical performance of these materials. Key findings include the superior performance of materials with high specific surface areas, high electrical conductivity, and well-developed porous structures. The article also explores the impact of nitrogen doping and other heteroatoms on the ORR activity, emphasizing the importance of heteroatom content and bonding configurations. Overall, the review provides insights into improving the electrocatalytic activity of biomass-derived materials, highlighting their potential for sustainable and cost-effective energy conversion applications.