Recent Advances of Ternary Layered Cu₂MX₄ (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis

Abstract

Photocatalytic technologies, based on efficient light absorption and conversion, have emerged as a viable solution to overcome the problems related to energy and the environment. Development of new cost‐effective materials coupled with the green synthesis routes in order to replace the noble metal‐based catalysts is critical to overcoming this challenge. In this review, a brief summary of the recent progress in ternary layered Cu2MX4 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) nanomaterials and their photocatalytic performance is presented. First, the structural configurations with different phases and crystallinity are described, as well as various experimental synthesis methods of Cu2MX4 nanomaterials. Thereafter, the effect of morphology modulation, facet selection, and multicomponent hybridization on the catalytic activity of Cu2MX4 is elucidated. In addition, a proposal for highly‐efficient Cu2MX4 photocatalysts is presented via rational designing strategies for realizing their specific applications in the fields of photodegradating organic pollutants, water splitting, and other photocatalytic reactions. Finally, the existing research challenges related to ternary Cu2MX4 layers along with future prospects are discussed in detail.

(TiO2(B) Nanosheet)/(Metallic Phase MoS2) Hybrid Nanostructures: An Efficient Catalyst for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] Many research efforts are, therefore, devoted to the development of photocatalysts in recent decades. Many semiconductor materials, such as metal oxides, [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] metal sulfides, [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] metal oxynitrides, [21,22] and conjugated polymers, [23][24][25] have been developed. Among these materials, titania was first found to have photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from water in 1972.…”

Solar‐Inspired Water Purification Based on Emerging 2D Materials: Status and Challenges

“…Most of the traditional pollution treatment techniques will cause severe ecological issues. In recent years, more and more new technologies such as photocatalytic water photodegradation of organic pollutants based on efficient conversion of solar energy have been studied and developed . The application of photocatalysis appears to be a more attractive way than traditional chemical oxidation methods to decompose toxic compounds into harmless products.…”

“…In recent years, more and more new technologies such as photocatalytic water photodegradation of organic pollutants based on efficient conversion of solar energy have been studied and developed. [344] The application of photocatalysis appears to be a more attractive way than traditional chemical oxidation methods [345,346] to decompose toxic compounds into harmless products. Among them, semiconductor photocatalysis is regarded as one of the most effective ways to solve the increasingly serious environmental pollution and energy crisis.…”

Per‐6‐Thiol‐Cyclodextrin Engineered [FeFe]‐Hydrogenase Mimic/CdSe Quantum Dot Assembly for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

“…An efficient and low‐cost photocatalyst for hydrogen (H 2 ) production, particularly from water splitting using solar energy, is one of the most promising approaches for sustainable fuels production. [ 1–5 ] In a biological system, the formation and uptake of H 2 are carried out by hydrogenase (H 2 ase). [ 6–8 ] High‐resolution X‐ray crystallography reveals that the active center (called as H‐cluster) of natural H 2 ase, taking [FeFe]‐H 2 ase as an example, features a butterfly [Fe 2 S 2 ] subunit and a cubic [Fe 4 S 4 ] cluster.…”