Interface Engineering in 2D/2D Heterogeneous Photocatalysts

• Published in: Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany) Germany), 2023-02, Vol.19 (5), p.e2205767-n/a
• Main Authors: Yu, Huijun, Dai, Meng, Zhang, Jing, Chen, Wenhan, Jin, Qiu, Wang, Shuguang, He, Zuoli
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2D/2D heterostructures; Assembling; Charge transfer; construction mode; Electromagnetic absorption; Heterostructures; interface charge transfer; Nanomaterials; Nanotechnology; Optimization; optimizing engineering; Photocatalysis; photocatalysts; Surface defects; Synergistic effect
• ISSN: 1613-6810; 1613-6829
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205767

Assembling different 2D nanomaterials into heterostructures with strong interfacial interactions presents a promising approach for novel artificial photocatalytic materials. Chemically implementing the 2D nanomaterials’ construction/stacking modes to regulate different interfaces can extend their functionalities and achieve good performance. Herein, based on different fundamental principles and photochemical processes, multiple construction modes (e.g., face‐to‐face, edge‐to‐face, interface‐to‐face, edge‐to‐edge) are overviewed systematically with emphasis on the relationships between their interfacial characteristics (e.g., point, linear, planar), synthetic strategies (e.g., in situ growth, ex situ assembly), and enhanced applications to achieve precise regulation. Meanwhile, recent efforts for enhancing photocatalytic performances of 2D/2D heterostructures are summarized from the critical factors of enhancing visible light absorption, accelerating charge transfer/separation, and introducing novel active sites. Notably, the crucial roles of surface defects, cocatalysts, and surface modification for photocatalytic performance optimization of 2D/2D heterostructures are also discussed based on the synergistic effect of optimization engineering and heterogeneous interfaces. Finally, perspectives and challenges are proposed to emphasize future opportunities for expanding 2D/2D heterostructures for photocatalysis. Assembling 2D/2D heterostructures with strong interfacial interactions presents a promising approach for novel photocatalysts. Herein, four construction modes are overviewed with emphasising the interfacial characteristics, synthetic strategies, and enhanced performances. Notably, the crucial roles in 2D/2D heterostructures are discussed. At last, perspectives and challenges for developing 2D/2D photocatalysts are highlighted.