Heterostructure Engineering of 2D Superlattice Materials for Electrocatalysis

Abstract

Exploring low‐cost and high‐efficient electrocatalyst is an exigent task in developing novel sustainable energy conversion systems, such as fuel cells and electrocatalytic fuel generations. 2D materials, specifically 2D superlattice materials focused here, featured highly accessible active areas, high density of active sites, and high compatibility with property‐complementary materials to form heterostructures with desired synergetic effects, have demonstrated to be promising electrocatalysts for boosting the performance of sustainable energy conversion and storage devices. Nevertheless, the reaction kinetics, and in particular, the functional mechanisms of the 2D superlattice‐based catalysts yet remain ambiguous. In this review, based on the recent progress of 2D superlattice materials in electrocatalysis applications, the rational design and fabrication of 2D superlattices are first summarized and the application of 2D superlattices in electrocatalysis is then specifically discussed. Finally, perspectives on the current challenges and the strategies for the future design of 2D superlattice materials are outlined. This review attempts to establish an intrinsic correlation between the 2D superlattice heterostructures and the catalytic properties, so as to provide some insights into developing high‐performance electrocatalysts for next‐generation sustainable energy conversion and storage.

Preparation, properties and applications of two-dimensional superlattices

“…The development of 2DSs provides new opportunities for the design of new advanced materials and catalysts. 111 3.1.2 Quantum tunnelling and optoelectronic device. Light emission is a typical application of superlattices with the help of quantum tunnelling behavior of carriers, 1,2 so people's initial desire for preparing CSs is to study their luminescence properties.…”

“…The development of 2DSs provides new opportunities for the design of new advanced materials and catalysts. 111…”

Progress on 2D–2D heterostructured hybrid materials for efficient electrocatalysis

“…coupled with 2D carbon (graphene, graphene oxides, and rGO) have also been reported, which showed much improved catalytic performance for hydrogen production via water splitting, due to the increased active sites and accelerated mass transfer arising from the support of 2D carbon that inhibited the self-stacking of the catalytic active 2D materials and the much enhanced conductivity that improved the charge transfer. 83–88…”

Regeneration of Activated Sludge into SiO2-Decorated Heteroatom-Doped Porous Carbon as Advanced Electrodes for Li–S Batteries

“…Regarding the three main issues of electrically insulated nature, volume expansion, and shuttle effect in Li–S batteries, porous carbonaceous materials are considered promising sulfur hosts owing to their good conductivity, high surface area, and porous structure . However, the weak nonpolar–polar interaction between carbonaceous materials and polysulfide leads to ineffective inhibition of the shuttle effect. − The polar inorganic hosts, such as oxides, − carbides, − sulfides, − and phosphides − were confirmed to capture polysulfide more effectively due to the polar-to-polar chemical interaction and catalytic effect.…”