Harnessing graphdiyne for self-powered sensing and energy conversion

Graphdiyne (GDY), a two-dimensional (2D) carbon allotrope with exceptional optical, electronic, and mechanical properties, has emerged as a versatile platform for self-powered sensing and energy conversion systems. Its unique sp./sp² hybridized carbon framework, tunable bandgap, and intrinsic nanoporosity enable efficient energy conversion across chemical, photo, thermal, and mechanical domains. Based on the introduction of common synthesis methods of GDY, this review systematically explores self-powered sensing and energy conversion systems based on GDY, including moisture-enabled electric generators (MEGs), piezoelectric/triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), photocatalytic systems, and photovoltaic cells, etc. This review also systematically analyzes how devices based on GDY can power applications without the need for external energy. This paper summarizes the current challenges in scalable synthesis and stability to look forward to the future development direction of sustainable GDY technology.