Two-dimensional amorphous nanomaterials: synthesis and applications

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials (sheet-like materials with few-atoms thickness and lateral size above 100 nm) have always aroused scientists' interests since 2004 when Novoselov et al successfully exfoliated graphene from graphite using Scotch tape. It is some unique characters of 2D nanomaterials such as the confinement of electrons in two dimensions in the ultrathin region, strong in-plane covalent bond and atomic thickness, ultra-high specific surface area and exposed atoms that enable 2D nanomaterials to show excellent properties in electrics, catalysis and mechanics. Recently, amorphous materials (varied from crystal materials by atomic arrangement) have demonstrated high performance in mechanics, catalysis and magnetic owing to their unique long-range atomic disorder arrangements. Thus, the 2D amorphous nanomaterials inspire a new path to the study of high performance 2D materials. Herein, we summarize the recent progress in 2D amorphous nanomaterials, whose synthetic methods and potential applications in fields of catalysis, energy storage and mechanics discussed in details. The vital blocking mechanisms for synthesis of 2D amorphous nanomaterials and their performance-structure relationship are focused on. Finally, we conclude the review with our personal insights and provide a critical outlook for the development of 2D amorphous nanomaterials.