2D Layered Heterojunctions for Photoelectrocatalysis

TL;DR

This review discusses the potential of 2D layered heterostructures in photoelectrocatalysis, highlighting their advantages, recent advances, challenges, and future prospects for energy and environmental applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of recent literature on 2D layered heterostructures for PEC, emphasizing their design, benefits, and remaining challenges.

Findings

2D heterostructures enhance catalytic activity and charge transfer.

Materials like MoS2, WS2, graphene, and MXenes show promising PEC performance.

Heterojunctions improve stability and scalability of 2D materials for PEC.

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterials heterostructures, arising from the combination of 2D materials with other low-dimensional species, feature large surface area to volume ratio, which provides a high density of active sites for catalytic ap-plications and in particular for (photo)electrocatalysis (PEC). Meanwhile, their unique electronic band structure and high electrical conductivity enable efficient charge transfer (CT) between the active material and the substrate, which is essential for catalytic activity. In recent years, researchers have demonstrated the potential of a range of 2D material interfaces, such as graphene, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), metal chalcogenides (MCs), and MXenes, for (photo)electrocatalytic applica-tions. For instance, MCs such as MoS2 and WS2 have shown excellent catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution, while gra-phene and MXenes have been used for the reduction of carbon dioxide to higher value chemicals. However, despite their great potential, there are still major challenges that need to be addressed in order to fully realize the potential of 2D materials for PEC. For example, their stability under harsh reaction conditions, as well as their scalability for large-scale production are important factors to be considered. Generating heterojunctions (HJs) by combining 2D layered structures with other na-nomaterials is a promising method to improve the photoelectrocatalytic properties of the former. In this review, we inspect thoroughly the recent literature, to demonstrate the significant potential that arises from utilizing 2D layered heterostructures in PEC processes across a broad spectrum of applications, from energy conversion and storage to environmental remediation. With the ongoing research and development, it is likely that the potential of these materials will be fully expressed in the near future.