Recent progress and challenges in crystalline graphdiyne

Graphynes (GYs), as a novel carbon allotrope, are composed of sp- and sp2-hybridized carbon atoms. Among them, graphdiyne (GDY) is the most widely studied and has received great attention. Its unique sp-hybridization, uniform pores, and highly conjugated structures, especially GDY with high crystallinity, bring excellent electronic, optic, and mechanical characteristics, making them extensively used in electronic devices, energy storage and conversion, catalysis, gas separation, seawater desalination, and so on. However, GDY materials still face challenges, including the synthesis of highly crystalline GDY and the rapid and non-destructive characterization methods. In this review, we primarily summarize the design, synthesis, and structural characterization of high-crystallinity GDY. Various applications are also described, which may bring new opportunities for highly uniform single-crystalline GDY materials.