Ultrathin 2D Conjugated Polymer Nanosheets for Solar Fuel Generation

• Published in: Chinese journal of polymer science Vol. 37; no. 2; pp. 101 - 114
• Main Authors: Zhang, Xin-Lei, Wang, Lei, Chen, Liang, Ma, Xiao-Yu, Xu, Hang-Xun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Beijing Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Chemistry, CAS 01.02.2019; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Absorptivity; Catalytic converters; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemical energy; Chemical synthesis; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed Matter Physics; Design engineering; Energy storage; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Nanosheets; Optoelectronics; Organic chemistry; Periodic variations; Photovoltaic cells; Planar structures; Polymer Sciences; Polymers; Review; Separation; Solar energy conversion; Water splitting; Nanosheets; Conjugated polymers; 2D polymers; Photocatalysis; Energy conversion
• ISSN: 0256-7679; 1439-6203
• DOI: 10.1007/s10118-019-2171-x

Two-dimensional (2D) polymers are fascinating as they exhibit unique physical, chemical, mechanical, and electronic properties that are completely different from those of traditional linear or branched polymers. They are very promising for applications in catalysis, separation, optoelectronics, energy storage, and nanomedicine. Recently, ultrathin 2D conjugated polymers have emerged as advanced materials for converting solar energy into chemical energy. The inherent 2D planar structure with in-plane periodicity offers many features that are highly desirable for photon-involved catalytic energy conversion processes, including high absorption coefficients, large surface areas, abundant surface active sites, and efficient charge separation. Moreover, the possibility of finely tuning the optoelectronic and structural properties through precise molecular engineering has opened up new opportunities for design and synthesis of novel 2D polymer nanosheets with unprecedented applications. Herein, we highlight recent advances in developing ultrathin 2D conjugated polymer nanosheets for solar-to-chemical energy conversion. Specifically, we discuss emerging applications of ultrathin 2D conjugated polymer nanosheets for solar-driven water splitting and CO 2 reduction. Meanwhile, future challenges and prospects for design and synthesis of ultrathin 2D conjugated polymer nanosheets for solar fuel generation are also included.