Photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have been essential parts of electrochemical processes for over half a century. Recent progress in the controllable synthesis of 2D nanomaterials has exhibited enhanced catalytic performance compared to bulk materials. This has led to significant interest in the exploitation of 2D nanomaterials for catalysis. There have been a variety of excellent reviews on 2D nanomaterials for catalysis, but related issues of differences and similarities between photocatalysis and electrocatalysis in 2D nanomaterials are still vacant. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview on the differences and similarities of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis in the latest 2D nanomaterials. Strategies and traps for performance enhancement of 2D nanocatalysts are highlighted, which point out the differences and similarities of series issues for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. In addition, 2D nanocatalysts and their catalytic applications are discussed. Finally, opportunities, challenges and development directions for 2D nanocatalysts are described. The intention of this review is to inspire and direct interest in this research realm for the creation of future 2D nanomaterials for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.

Surface-illuminated GeSn p-i-n photodetectors (PDs) with Ge0.964Sn0.036 active layer on Ge substrate were fabricated. Photodetection up to 1.95 μm is achieved with a responsivity of 0.13 A/W. High responsivities of 0.56 and 0.71 A/W were achieved under a reverse bias voltage of 3 V at 1640 and 1790 nm, respectively. A low dark current of 1.08 μA was obtained at a reverse bias of 1 V with a diameter of 150 μm, which corresponds to a current density of 6.1 mA/cm2. This value is among the lowest dark current densities reported among GeSn PDs.

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