Electrochemical polymerization for two-dimensional conjugated polymers

Traditional conjugated polymers (CPs) that are chain-like macromolecules with quasi-one-dimensional (1D) charge transport along conjugated backbones have received considerable attention in various optoelectronic devices. Extending π-conjugation in CPs from 1D to 2D can not only give significantly enhanced charge transport but may also induce other favorable properties, such as excellent mechanicality, flexibility, isotropic properties, etc. Currently, various approaches, including chemical synthesis, interfacial reaction, topochemical and electrochemical polymerization (EP) and so on, have been developed to create 2D conjugated polymers that have their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we focus on the current progress of the EP method for assembling CP materials. A brief comparison of the properties of 1D and 2D CPs is given in the beginning of the article. This is followed by a special focus on the EP method and its applications for preparing 1D and 2D CPs. Current challenges in this field and future research directions are discussed. © The Royal Society of Chemistry.