Rational Design of Carbon‐Based 2D Nanostructures for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction: A Dimensionality Perspective

• Published in: Chemistry : a European journal Vol. 26; no. 44; pp. 9710 - 9748
• Main Authors: Ong, Wee‐Jun, Putri, Lutfi Kurnianditia, Mohamed, Abdul Rahman
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 06.08.2020
• Subjects: 2D materials; Carbon; Carbon dioxide; Carbon nitride; Chemistry; CO2 reduction; Electrical properties; Graphene; graphitic carbon nitride; Heterostructures; Nanomaterials; Nanotechnology; Photocatalysis; Reduction; Replication; Sustainable materials
• ISSN: 0947-6539; 1521-3765; 1521-3765
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.202000708

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction is a revolutionary approach to solve imminent energy and environmental issues by replicating the ingenuity of nature. The past decade has witnessed an impetus in the rise of two‐dimensional (2D) structure materials as advanced nanomaterials to boost photocatalytic activities. In particular, the use of 2D carbon‐based materials is deemed as highly favorable, not only as a green material choice, but also due to their exceptional physicochemical and electrical properties. This Review article presents a diverse range of alterations and compositions derived from 2D carbon‐based nanomaterials, mainly graphene and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), which have remarkably ameliorated the photocatalytic CO2 performance. Herein, the rational design of the photocatalyst systems with consideration of the aspect of dimensionality and the resultant heterostructures at the interface are systematically analyzed to elucidate an insightful perspective on this pacey subject. Finally, a conclusion and outlook on the limitations and prospects of the cutting‐edge research field are highlighted. Photocatalytic CO2 reduction over two‐dimensional (2D) carbon‐based nanomaterials, principally graphene and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), and the effects of dimensionality at their interfaces towards photoactivity are presented.