Rational design of C₂N based atomically dispersed catalysts for energy conversion applications

C₂N is an emerging two-dimensional graphene-like carbon nitride material that is distinguished by its high specific surface area, uniformly distributed N₆ cavities, excellent chemical stability, and tunable electronic structures. These properties make it an ideal support for atomically dispersed catalysts (SACs, DACs, and clusters), enabling precise control of coordination, electronic properties, and reactivity. This review systematically summarizes the main types of C₂N-supported catalysts, which achieve maximal atomic utilization and tunable active sites, delivering outstanding performance in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR). It also outlines synthesis strategies, recent progress, and challenges regarding stability, scalability, and long-term performance. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of C₂N-based atomically dispersed catalysts, highlighting their promise and challenges for future energy and environmental applications.