Conspectus
Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials
have attracted
increasing research
interest since mechanically exfoliated graphene was obtained in 2004.
The ultrathin thickness and relatively large lateral size of 2D nanomaterials
render them various intriguing properties such as compelling electronic
properties, ultrahigh specific surface area, excellent mechanical
properties, and so on. A wide range of 2D nanomaterials, including
graphene and its derivatives, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs),
metals, etc., have been prepared with different compositions,
structures and (crystal) phases. Simultaneously, extensive research
efforts have been devoted to exploring the potential applications
of these 2D nanomaterials with enhanced performances. Hybridization
of two or more nanomaterials to prepare novel composites could efficiently
integrate the advantages of the individual components and thus optimize
their performances for specific applications. Among various hybridization
approaches, the templated synthesis method, i.e.,
using a presynthesized nanomaterial as a template to direct the growth
of a secondary nanostructure, provides an efficient way to prepare
composites with high controllability. The ultrathin thickness, large
specific surface area, and versatile physiochemical properties of
2D nanomaterials make them ideal templates for constructing composites
with desired structures, properties, and functions. Until now, various
2D nanomaterials have been used as templates to grow different kinds
of nanomaterials, including metals, metal oxides, metal chalcogenides,
metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), etc., to
form 2D nanomaterial-templated composites that show potentials in
various applications. In this Account, we first briefly introduce
the general research background of 2D nanomaterials and the motivation
for the preparation of 2D nanomaterial-templated composites. Then
we summarize our progress and some other representative work on 2D
nanomaterial-templated composites, with a particular emphasis on graphene-templated
composites, 2D TMD-templated composites, and 2D metal-templated composites.
Specifically, representative examples of the graphene-templated zero-dimensional
(0D), one-dimensional (1D), and 2D composites and the emerging graphene-templated
van der Waals heterostructures are described. Subsequently, typical
2D TMD-templated composites such as metal oxides, metals, and metal
chalcogenides are also presented. In addition, we introduce 2D metal-templated
composites and highlight that the crystal phase of the 2D metal template
can play an important role in the controlled synthesis of heterostructures.
Other composites constructed using 2D metal oxides, metal hydroxides,
metal sulfides, and MOFs as templates are also introduced. After that,
we demonstrate the potential applications of 2D nanomaterial-templated
composites, including electrocatalysis, electronic devices, batteries,
and so on. Finally, after a brief summary, our personal insights on
the challenges and future research directions in this eme...