Nanoscale Assembly of 2D Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications

Abstract

Rational design of 2D materials is crucial for the realization of their profound implications in energy and environmental fields. The past decade has witnessed significant developments in 2D material research, yet a number of critical challenges remain for real‐world applications. Nanoscale assembly, precise control over the orientational and positional ordering, and complex interfaces among 2D layers are essential for the continued progress of 2D materials, especially for energy storage and conversion and environmental remediation. Herein, recent progress, the status, future prospects, and challenges associated with nanoscopic assembly of 2D materials are highlighted, specifically targeting energy and environmental applications. Geometric dimensional diversity of 2D material assembly is focused on, based on novel assembly mechanisms, including 1D fibers from the colloidal liquid crystalline phase, 2D films by interfacial tension (Marangoni effect), and 3D nanoarchitecture assembly by electrochemical processes. Relevant critical advantages of 2D material assembly are highlighted for application fields, including secondary batteries, supercapacitors, catalysts, gas sensors, desalination, and water decontamination.

The use of amino-based functional molecules for the controllable synthesis of noble-metal nanocrystals: a minireview

“…52,128,129 2D materials have attracted widespread attention for electrocatalytic applications because of their high specic areas, high surface-to-volume ratios, and fast electrontransfer rates. 61,130,131 The atomic utilization efficiency of nanosheets will increase as the thickness decreases. Theoretically, when the thickness of a nanosheet reaches only two atomic layers, the atom utilization efficiency can reach 100%.…”

Two‐Dimensional Transition Metal Oxides and Chalcogenides for Advanced Photocatalysis: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

“…Because 2D TMOs and TMCs generally lack structural motifs for specific intermolecular interactions (such as hydrogen bonding sites or amphiphilic structures for hydrophobic interaction) that are present in biomolecules or polymeric molecules built from molecular self‐assembly, spontaneous oriented assembly is largely precluded. [ 100 ] In studying the hydrothermal growth of pure SnO 2 NPs in water without any surfactant, Zhuang et al found that the pure SnO 2 NPs formed microsphere aggregates in a highly random manner. [ 101 ] Regrettably, the aggregate cannot form 2D materials but undergoes an ultrafast growth from ≈4 nm SnO 2 nanocrystals to ≈350 nm bulk crystals.…”

Transition metal/carbon hybrids for oxygen electrocatalysis in rechargeable zinc‐air batteries

“…Further study on ultrathin nanosheet (Figure 5A) reveals both ORR and OER performances can be enhanced by high metal content (Co loading is 15.3%). It is broadly admitted that 2D materials favor the high exposure of abundant catalytic active sites, and the relative thin thickness presents favorable mass and electron transport pathways by reducing the electrolyte transport distance 113‐117 . Furthermore, the high atomically metal content induces the formation of more M‐N‐C actives sites within the N‐doped 2D carbon matrix.…”