• Graphdiyne (GDY) is a novel carbon allotrope with unique sp-sp2 hybridization, uniform pores, and high π-conjugation, offering excellent electronic conductivity and ion transport properties for energy storage.
• GDY addresses key challenges in aqueous ion batteries (e.g., Zn, Mg, Al) by improving electrode stability, separator design, and interfacial pH control, enhancing cycling performance and electrochemical stability window.
• The bottom-up molecular design of GDY enables facile modification and doping, leading to GDY analogs with optimized structures and superior electrochemical performance.
• This review systematically summarizes GDY's structure, properties, synthesis, and its applications in aqueous zinc, magnesium, and aluminum ion batteries, highlighting future research directions and challenges.