Two-dimensional materials as catalysts for solar fuels: hydrogen evolution reaction and CO2 reduction

The issues of global warming and fossil fuel shortage have increased the demand for clean and renewable energy. Many researchers are investigating strategies to produce hydrogen and reduce CO2 by using solar power. Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene, graphene derivatives, and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), have been extensively used owing to their extraordinary electronic and optical properties. In this review, we investigate the recent developments in 2D materials for photocatalytic applications involving the hydrogen evolution reaction and CO2 reduction. The synthesis methods and the photocatalytic properties of TMDs and graphene-based 2D materials are thoroughly discussed. Moreover, a summary of the recently developed 2D nanostructures and devices for solar hydrogen production and CO2 reduction is presented, and it is revealed that the use of 2D catalyst materials has great potential for commercialization in the near future to help overcome the energy crisis.