Synthesis and applications of graphitic structure analogs based on amorphous conjugated polymer network

Abstract

This article introduces our group’s recent study on a new strategy that uses amorphous conjugated polymer networks (CPNs) to develop functional nanocarbons as structural analogs of graphene and graphene oxide. Amorphous CPNs are usually synthesized by the simultaneous random copolymerization of multiple conjugated monomers, such as redox-active molecules. In amorphous CPNs, the functional unit molecules are dispersed in the network without aggregation, whereas rigid assemblies are formed in conventional main- and side-chain polymers and metal- and covalent-organic frameworks. This new state of assembly of functional molecules has structural flexibility which is advantageous for their functionalization. Because the amorphous CPNs are obtained in stacked layers, nanosheets are obtained by exfoliation. A systematic screening of the monomers was conducted based on data provided by artificial intelligence-assisted data analysis. We have reported the electrochemical uses of the amorphous CPNs containing quinone derivatives. Their excellent electrochemical performance, such as catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction and charge capacities for supercapacitors and batteries, are due to their nanostructures of the amorphous CPNs. When the conjugated networks are expanded using monomers rich in conjugated moieties, the resultant CPNs can be considered amorphous graphene and graphene-oxide analogs that can be used to design and synthesis new nanocarbon materials.