Perspectives on two-dimensional ultra-thin materials in energy catalysis and storage

Over the past few decades, the design and development of advanced materials based on two-dimensional (2D) ultra-thin materials for efficient energy catalysis and storage have aroused much attention. 2D ultra-thin materials have emerged as the most promising candidates for energy catalysis and storage because of their unique physical, chemical, and electronic properties. Herein, we review the research and application of 2D ultra-thin material-based catalysts for heterogeneous catalysis. The various catalysts based on 2D ultra-thin materials, such as MXenes, GO, black phosphorus, and h-BN, are discussed in detail for catalytic processes in the fields of electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and energy catalysis. The fundamental relationships between the electronic structure and catalytic activity of 2D ultra-thin materials were described at the atomic level. A significant emphasis on the development of 2D ultra-thin materials and their intrinsic activity and stability was presented. Finally, the prediction and prospection of the future development of 2D ultra-thin materials as efficient nanomaterials are also conveyed. It is important to thoroughly understand and summarize such 2D ultra-thin materials to provide further guidance for structural optimization and performance improvement.