Emerging Electrochemical Energy Conversion Materials: Graphdiyne.

Two-dimensional graphdiyne (GDY) is a new type of carbon allotrope that has developed rapidly in the past decade. It is facilely synthesized under low temperatures and normal pressures and exhibits outstanding physical and chemical properties that surpass those of traditional carbon materials. These properties are beyond the understanding of scientists and have attracted many researchers to engage in research in this field. GDY is composed of a periodic sp/sp2 hybridized framework consisting of benzene rings and large amounts of alkyne-rich pores, forming a super-large π conjugated structure, exhibiting an inherent characteristic of uneven surface charge distribution, demonstrating extremely high intrinsic activity, significant chemical stability, and excellent electronic conductivity. These unique properties promote the continuous progress of foundation and applied research on GDY in various fields, especially in electrochemical energy conversion. The intrinsic properties of GDY provide the key elements necessary for the development and progress of sustainable energy systems, as the development of efficient electrocatalysts depends on these properties, especially those used for the conversion of intermittent renewable energy into chemical bond storage forms. GDY-based catalysts, with their huge surface area, superior surface charge distribution, and semiconductor characteristics, have demonstrated outstanding performance in efficient energy conversion. This review summarizes the studies on computation, experiment, structure, and properties, followed by a discussion of the electrocatalytic process and performance, such as hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrate, and organic molecule conversion. By offering a systematic survey of GDY's evolution in electrocatalytic, energy-to-chemical conversion, this review provides a roadmap for future breakthroughs in the rapidly advancing field.