Abstract
Like graphene, graphdiyne is a newly discovered two-dimensional planar carbon allotrope with highly π-conjugated interactions. It shows a lot of affinities with graphene in terms of properties and applications. However, graphdiyne has a uniqueness in its structure, including acetylenic linkages and a three-dimensional network with large pores, making it subtly different with graphene in many areas. This review aims to introduce graphdiyne systematically and to describe its similarities and differences with graphene. It starts with a comparison between graphdiyne and graphene in terms of structure and properties. Then, the main synthetic routes of graphdiyne are listed, which are different from those of graphene. Next, the high performance of graphdiyne in the areas of catalysis, energy storage, environmental remediation, biosensors, cancer therapy, and so on are summarized. The featured characteristics of graphdiyne are highlighted to better understand this material and pave the way for more exploration of the adhibitions of graphdiyne.