2D semiconductor nanosheets for solar photocatalysis

Abstract

In the advancing world of graphene, highly anisotropic 2D semiconductor nanosheets, notable for their nanometer‐scale thickness, have emerged as a leading innovation, displaying immense potential in the exploration of renewable and clean energy production. These have garnered significant attention from researchers. The nanosheets are marked by their extraordinary electronic, optical, and chemical attributes, positioning them as attractive foundational components for heterogeneous photocatalysts. This review diligently summarizes both the seminal work and ongoing developments pertaining to 2D semiconductor nanosheets and their application to solar energy within the context of heterogeneous photocatalysis. We begin by detailing the distinctive properties of 2D semiconductor nanosheets, concentrating on their pivotal roles in augmenting photocatalytic efficiency, and explaining the intrinsic mechanisms that govern the migration rate of photogenerated carriers on the material's surface. Subsequently, we delineate the methods employed to synthesize typical 2D semiconductor nanosheets. In alignment with the overarching objective of expanding light absorption capacity and accelerating charge transfer, we also examine the current research on the hybridization techniques involving 2D materials of varied dimensions, as well as their deployment in diverse photocatalytic applications. We conclude by identifying promising avenues and potential challenges that await further exploration in this burgeoning field.