Well-Defined 2D Covalent Organic Polymers for Energy Electrocatalysis

Highly efficient electrocatalysts are vital to meet energy and environmental challenges. Although numerous nonprecious metal or metal-free carbon-based catalysts have been demonstrated to entirely or partially replace noble-metal-based electrocatalysis, the absence of precise design and a predictable process hindered the development. Well-defined 2D covalent organic polymers (COPs) as a new exciting type of electrocatalyst presented superior potentials with precisely controllable capacities, such as robust tailoring heteroatom incorporation and location of active sites. Here we demonstrate the possibilities and potential of the well-defined 2D COPs used as highly efficient energy electrocatalysts for clean and renewable energy technologies. After surveying recent developments, we further discuss the possible future directions for designed synthesis of intrinsic COPs without carbonization to modulate active sites and the density of active sites at the molecular level. COP materials as a new family of electrocatalysts offer practical possibilities to study the structure, mechanism, and kinetics of energy electrocatalysis and may lead to a better solution for energy and environmental issues.