Recent Developments and Perspectives on Solar-driven Fine Chemicals Synthesis: From the Reaction System to 2D Photocatalysts

Abstract

Fine chemicals are closely related to human life and social development. However, the synthetic processes used at present are mainly restricted by high energy consumption and pollution issues. Thus alternative environmentally friendly technologies are highly desirable. Among them, photo(electro)catalytic technology to produce high value-added products using two-dimensional (2D) materials has received special attention as it combines the benefits of abundant solar energy with the high activity of 2D materials under mild conditions. This review summarises the recent advances in the solar-driven catalytic synthesis of fine chemicals over advanced 2D photo(electro)catalysts. The design and application of 2D photo(electro)catalysts in fine chemicals synthesis, including selective oxidation/reduction, C–C/C–N coupling, and N2 fixation and isomerisation, will be included in this review. Biomass offers a renewable resource to produce fine chemicals that alleviates the dependence on fossil resources. The application of 2D materials for the photo(electro)catalytic conversion of biomass to valuable fine chemicals will also be discussed. Finally, the prospects of 2D materials for photo(electro)catalytic synthesis of fine chemicals are described.