Prospective on 2D Nanomaterials for Energy and Environment

Abstract

The emergence of atomically thin-layered 2D-nanomaterials such as transition metal compounds (TMDs, TMOs, TMHs), MXenes (transition metal carbides/carbonitrides/nitrides), elemental 2D analogs (silicene, germanene, phosphorene, etc.), 2D organic frameworks (MOF, COF), in succession to pioneer graphene promises a significant step forward in shaping the energy and environment sustainability. Their intriguing features such as a large surface area, chemical stability, strong mechanical strength, hydrophilic nature, biocompatibility, and ease of structural tunability offer fabrication of novel advanced functional composites and devices to combat energy and environmental challenges. 2D nanomaterials are reported as excellent electrode materials to design high-performance supercapacitors, batteries, and solar cells. They also hold enormous potential for catalytic degradation, adsorption, and sensing of varied pollutants, for instance, organic dyes, heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics, and even toxic gases. In addition, they have been realized as efficient functional membranes in desalination. Furthermore, they are extensively exploited in drug delivery and other healthcare applications. Recently, they are also being explored as smart tools in the agriculture sector for nutrient delivery, disease detection, pest control, etc. Nevertheless, there are many unresolved issues that need to be addressed in their various fields of application. Therefore, this chapter brings an insightful overview on the technological challenges as associated with 2D nanomaterials and future research perspectives to encourage further evolution in the field of energy and environment. In addition, it summarizes some of the latest patented research/products/devices that have been developed in recent times to realize the use of 2D nanomaterials at commercial scale. Show more