Periodically Interrupting Bonding Behavior to Reformat Delocalized Electronic States of Graphdiyne for Improved Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

pi electron configuration plays a pivotal role in metal-free carbon catalysts, and its delocalization degree overwhelmingly dominates catalytic activity. However, precise and targeted regulation of inherent pi electrons still remain challenging. Here, one chemical-bond-targeted physical clipping strategy is proposed and effectively adopted in the cutting-edge carbon material system of graphdiyne (GDY) as a concept-of-proof. The delocalized electrons are expected to be periodically reformatted for substantially enhancing pi electron delocalization. Via theoretical screening and well-designed experiments, periodical interruption of Csp-Csp(2) bonds in GDY can render sp-C sites with decent activity, ultimately yielding top-ranking electrocatalytic performance without intentionally introducing external decoration. The as-proposed concept endows a universal prescription to push the limit of delocalization degree, thus shedding novel light on the rational design of decent metal-free catalysts.