Porphyrins-based multidimensional nanomaterials: Structural design, modification and applications

As global demand for renewable energy consumption and environmental treatment intensifies, the development of innovative technologies and green materials for catalytic transformation is increasingly critical. Porphyrins, often referred to as the ‘pigments of life’, are notable for their macrocyclic π-conjugated electronic structures and distinctive light excitation/absorption properties. They have been widely used for oxygen transport, photosynthesis, as well as serving enzymatic catalytic centers in biological processes. However, the inherent strong π–π interactions among rigid porphyrin molecules lead to disordered stacking and self-aggregation, diminishing the accessibility of active sites and the efficiency of charge transfer during practical applications. Hybrid porphyrins with multidimensional nano-substrates, like graphene, metal oxide, et al. is a promising strategy that can not only mitigate self-aggregation of porphyrins but also can achieve a synergetic enhancement effect. Selecting suitable substrates and effective bonding interactions between the porphyrins and substrates are critical for achieving the desired performance in specific applications. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in porphyrin-based multidimensional nanomaterials (PMNs), focusing on the influence of nanoscale effects, performance enhancements, and their applications in energy conversion, storage, biomedicine, and environmental protection. It delves deeply into the role of interaction forces in boosting interfacial electron transfer for superior catalytic transformations. Additionally, it critically examines the correlations between the high loading and dispersion of porphyrin molecules, emphasizing strategies, structural design, nanoscale effects, and interfacial interactions. Notably, the discussion extends to the mechanistic links between the structure, properties, and applications of PMNs. The review concludes by addressing the critical challenges and future directions in this field.