Recent Advances in Visible‐Light‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution from Water using Polymer Photocatalysts

Efficient polymer photocatalysts that mimic natural photosynthesis to generate H2 through the visible‐light‐promoted splitting of water are ideal systems for the conversion of solar energy into usable fuel with high energy density and in an environmentally friendly manner. In this article, we review recent reports on donor‐acceptor‐based π‐conjugated polymers as photocatalysts, including conjugated linear polymers, microporous polymers, triazine frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, polymer dots, and other related organic polymers, which show superior photocatalytic activity and robust stability under visible‐light irradiation, for hydrogen production. Moreover, their syntheses and material design strategies, photophysical properties, proposed mechanisms, and applications are systematically summarized. Finally, recent research on and challenges related to organic polymer photocatalysts are discussed. This minireview will help readers to more easily understand the recent advances in and future direction of this field. Polymer photocatalysts: In this article, recent developments in organic polymer photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions with superior photocatalytic activity and robust stability under visible‐light irradiation are reviewed. Moreover, the synthesis and material design strategies, photophysical properties, proposed mechanisms, and applications are summarized. Lastly, recent research in and challenges related to polymer photocatalysts are discussed.