2D Zinc Oxide – Synthesis, Methodologies, Reaction Mechanism, and Applications

• Published in: Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany) Germany), 2023-04, Vol.19 (14), p.e2206063-n/a
• Main Authors: Patil, Sayali Ashok, Jagdale, Pallavi Bhaktapralhad, Singh, Ashish, Singh, Ravindra Vikram, Khan, Ziyauddin, Samal, Akshaya Kumar, Saxena, Manav
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2D nanostructures; bottom‐up approach; catalysis; Chemical composition; Chemical properties; Chemical synthesis; electronics; energy materials; Energy storage; Gas sensors; Light emitting diodes; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Nanotechnology; Optoelectronics; Photocatalysis; Photovoltaic cells; Reaction mechanisms; Room temperature; semiconductors; Solar cells; synthesis; Thermal stability; Zinc oxide; Zinc oxides
• ISSN: 1613-6810; 1613-6829; 1613-6829
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206063

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a thermally stable n‐type semiconducting material. ZnO 2D nanosheets have mainly gained substantial attention due to their unique properties, such as direct bandgap and strong excitonic binding energy at room temperature. These are widely utilized in piezotronics, energy storage, photodetectors, light‐emitting diodes, solar cells, gas sensors, and photocatalysis. Notably, the chemical properties and performances of ZnO nanosheets largely depend on the nano‐structuring that can be regulated and controlled through modulating synthetic strategies. Two synthetic approaches, top–down and bottom–up, are mainly employed for preparing ZnO 2D nanomaterials. However, owing to better results in producing defect‐free nanostructures, homogenous chemical composition, etc., the bottom–up approach is extensively used compared to the top–down method for preparing ZnO 2D nanosheets. This review presents a comprehensive study on designing and developing 2D ZnO nanomaterials, followed by accenting its potential applications. To begin with, various synthetic strategies and attributes of ZnO 2D nanosheets are discussed, followed by focusing on methodologies and reaction mechanisms. Then, their deliberation toward batteries, supercapacitors, electronics/optoelectronics, photocatalysis, sensing, and piezoelectronic platforms are further discussed. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities are featured based on its current development. The review focuses on the synthesis, reaction mechanism, and applications of 2D ZnO nanosheets categorically. The different methodology for the synthesis of 2D ZnO nanosheets, its current status for applications in electronics/optoelectronics, electrocatalysis, energy storage, solar cells, photocatalysis, sensing and piezotronics are also discussed.