Latest development of ultrathin two-dimensional materials for photocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

Energy shortage and environmental pollution are huge challenges for all mankind. The over-dependence on fossil fuels has led to a sharp increase in CO2 emissions. How to transform excessive greenhouse gases into fuels or other high-value chemicals through clean means has become a global research topic. Over the past few decades, solar and electrochemical approaches to reducing carbon dioxide have proved to be as both clean and effective methods to reduce the global carbon footprint and realize the efficient utilization of fossil resources. In recent years, the excellent performance of ultrathin two-dimensional materials (such as hydrotalcite, oxide, perovskite, etc.) in the field of catalysis has attracted a lot of attention. The electronic structure of two-dimensional materials is more adjustable and can be modified on its surface, which provides more opportunities for them to play a role in more catalytic reactions. This article summarizes the frontier progress of ultra-thin two-dimensional related materials in photocatalysis, photothermal/photovoltaic/photovoltaic-electrocatalysis, and electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 in recent years, and summarizes their modulation rules, which will provide reference for the design of high-efficiency optical and electrocatalysts in the future. © 2021, Editorial Board of CIESC Journal. All right reserved.