From polymeric carbon nitride to carbon materials: extended application to electrochemical energy conversion and storage

As an emerging photocatalyst, polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) currently has drawn ever-increasing attention for electrochemical energy conversion and storage due to its graphite-like structure, metal-free characteristic and excellent structural tunability. Nonetheless, its practical applications are still hindered by the poor electrical conductivity induced irreversible capacity loss. Recently, PCN-derived carbon materials with improved conductivity have received increasing interest and made tremendous progress for advanced electrochemical energy conversion and storage. This review highlights the latest research advancements regarding the electrochemical energy conversion (hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction/evolution reaction, nitrogen reduction reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction,etc.) and storage (Li-ion batteries, Li-S batteries, supercapacitors,etc.) application from PCN to PCN-derived carbon materials. A perspective about the challenges and trends in the electrochemical application of PCN and PCN-derived carbon materials is also provided at the end of the review.