2D carbon based nanomaterials for photocatalytic energy conversion and environment remediation reactions

The sustainable development of humanity is facing two major challenges: environmental pollution and energy shortage. Solar light is a sustainable, clean, and inexpensive green energy source. Therefore, the efficient and fast utilization, conversion, and storage of solar energy have attracted increasing attention. Semiconductor photocatalytic technology is centered around the chemical conversion and storage of solar energy. By using photocatalysis to remove toxic and harmful pollutants, it will provide a green and environmentally friendly living space. The conversion of solar energy into hydrogen and other chemical energy sources, such as water splitting and CO₂ conversion, has the potential to solve the energy crisis caused by the increasing depletion of fossil energy. Two-dimensional (2D) carbon based photocatalytic materials have displayed great potential in energy production and environmental remediation due to their unique electronic structure, large specific surface area, and controllable optical properties. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress of 2D carbon based materials such as graphene, carbon nitride, and graphene in photocatalytic hydrogen production, CO₂ reduction, H₂O₂ formation, and pollutant degradation. Strategies for material design and performance optimization are analyzed, and current challenges and future development directions are discussed.