Recent advances in poly(carbazole)-based materials for water-electrochemical interfaces: Emerging roles in energy production and storage

Water-electrochemical energy systems require materials that enable efficient ion transport and long-term stability under harsh aqueous conditions. Poly(carbazole) (PC) and its derivatives have recently attracted attention as functional materials for these interfaces due to their conjugated structures, chemical stability, and tunable molecular architectures. Despite growing research activity, a dedicated overview of PC-based materials for water-electrochemical applications remains lacking. This review systematically examines the design, synthesis, and functional integration of PC in ion-conducting membranes for water electrolysis and fuel cells, as well as electrodes and hybrid architectures for supercapacitors, redox-flow systems, and metal-ion batteries. Key structure-property relationships governing polymer rigidity, hydration behavior, redox activity, and interfacial interactions are critically analyzed. Current challenges, including limited ionic mobility, structural degradation, and incomplete understanding of ion-polymer dynamics, are discussed alongside emerging strategies in molecular design and interface engineering. The insights presented aim to guide the development of durable, high-performance PC-based materials for sustainable energy production, conversion and storage. • Poly(carbazole)-based materials for water-electrochemical interfaces. • Recent developments in energy production and storage facilities. • Ion-conducting membranes for water-electrochemical energy production. • Next generation of water-electrochemical interfacial systems for sustainable energy.