Affiliation:
1. College of Science Institute of Materials Physics and Chemistry Nanjing Forestry University Nanjing 210037 P. R. China
2. Institute of Physics and Technology Ural Federal University Mira Str. 19 Yekaterinburg 620002 Russia
3. Department of Environmental Engineering (DIAm) University of Calabria Via P. Bucci Cubo 45A Rende 87036 Italy
4. Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences University of L'Aquila via Vetoio L'Aquila 67100 Italy
Abstract
AbstractThe use of solar light to accelerate chemical processes (photocatalysis) has the potential to alleviate the pollution and energy crises. Thanks to their large surface area, unusual electronic structure, and abundance of low‐coordinate surface atoms, 2D semiconductors have shown enormous promise in photocatalytic applications. The synthesis, photoexcitation processes, design, and development of 2D semiconductor photocatalysts are thoroughly examined in this perspective, as well as their possible applications in air purification, solar energy conversion, organic synthesis, carbon capture and storage, and water treatment. This work highlights ongoing research efforts focused on improving the selectivity and efficiency of photocatalytic applications based on 2D semiconductors by means of hybrid systems, heterostructures, doping, and computational methodologies, together with open challenges. Finally, the integration of 2D semiconductor photocatalysts into indoor and outdoor environments is discussed, thereby facilitating the purification of air and water and generating clean energy, which assists in the pursuit of sustainable development objectives.