2D Materials Based Heterostructure Photocatalysts: Fundamentals and Perspective

Atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted intensive research interest in photocatalytic water-splitting reactions for hydrogen (H2) production due to sustainable energy and environmental remedy issues. Due to their unique 2D structure, increased surface-to-volume ratio, short distance for the photogenerated electrons and holes to migrate, and abundant chemical-active sites, 2D materials-based heterostructures are highly explored by the device community. Here, we discuss recent advances in photocatalytic water splitting for heterostructures based on popular 2D materials i.e. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), Metal mono chalcogenides (MMC), and Carbon Nitride (CN) etc. for H2 production. Moreover, the development of 2D heterostructures of various schemes such as Type-I (straddling gap), Type-II (staggered), Type-III (Broken gap), and Z-Scheme system is also discussed. Here, in this chapter, we provide a topical review of recent advances and state-of-the-art research work in the area of 2D heterostructures for photocatalytic water-splitting reaction applications.