Progress of porous organic cages in photo/electrocatalytic energy conversion and storage applications

Abstract

Inspired by mother nature's creativity, a new class of materials known as porous organic cages (POCs) has become a hot topic of research in the past few decades. Despite the high surface area, porosity, solubility, and other intriguing properties of POCs, the lack of structural designed principles, complex synthesis, and their functional group characteristics and flexibilities are in its early stage. Herein, firstly, we shed light on recent advancements and breakthroughs in photo- and electro-catalysts for energy conversion and storage applications, particularly within the last five years. Secondly, to address existing challenges and define future research directions, we aim to bridge the research gap among the structural principles, functional group characteristics, flexibility, structure–function relationships, and intrinsic activities of POCs and their energy conversion (HER, CDRR, ORR, NO₃RR, etc.) and energy storage (Li-ion, Li–organic, and Li–sulfur batteries) applications. Finally, the future efficient design strategies and perspective of POCs are discussed. This review can serve as an invaluable roadmap for researchers aiming to design the next generation of POC-based photo- and electro-catalysts, thus propelling the development of energy conversion and storage technology.