Two-dimensional nanomaterials confined single atoms: New opportunities for environmental remediation

Two-dimensional(2D)supports confined single-atom catalysts(2D SACs)with unique geometric and electronic structures have been attractive candidates in different catalytic applications,such as energy conversion and storage,value-added chemical synthesis and environmental remediation.However,their environmental appli-cations lack of a comprehensive summary and in-depth discussion.In this review,recent progresses in synthesis routes and advanced characterization techniques for 2D SACs are introduced,and a comprehensive discussion on their applications in environmental remediation is presented.Generally,2D SACs can be effective in catalytic elimination of aqueous and gaseous pollutants via radical or non-radical routes and transformation of toxic pollutants into less poisonous species or highly value-added products,opening a new horizon for the contami-nant treatment.In addition,in-depth reaction mechanisms and potential pathways are systematically discussed,and the relationship between the structure-performance is highlighted.Finally,several critical challenges within this field are presented,and possible directions for further explorations of 2D SACs in environmental remediation are suggested.Although the research of 2D SACs in the environmental application is still in its infancy,this review will provide a timely summary on the emerging field,and would stimulate tremendous interest for designing more attractive 2D SACs and promoting their wide applications.

Recent advances in two-dimensional nanomaterials-based electrochemical sensors for environmental analysis

With the rapidly increased concerns in environmental pollution, there have been urgent needs to develop fast, sensitive, low-cost and multiplexed sensing devices for the detection of environmental pollutants. Two-dimensional(2D) nanomaterials hold great promise due to their unique chemical and physical properties, which have been extensively employed to monitor the environmental pollutants combined with different detection techniques. In this review, we summarize recent advances in 2D nanomaterials-based electrochemical sensors for detecting heavy metal ions, organic compounds, pesticides, antibiotics and bacteria. We also discuss perspectives and challenges of 2D nanomaterials in environmental monitoring.

Differences and Similarities of Photocatalysis and Electrocatalysis in Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials:Strategies,Traps,Applications and Challenges

Photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have been essential parts of electrochemical processes for over half a century.Recent progress in the controllable synthesis of 2D nanomaterials has exhibited enhanced catalytic performance compared to bulk materials.This has led to significant interest in the exploitation of 2D nanomaterials for catalysis.There have been a variety of excellent reviews on 2D nanomaterials for catalysis,but related issues of differences and similarities between photocatalysis and electrocatalysis in 2D nanomaterials are still vacant.Here,we provide a comprehensive overview on the differences and similarities of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis in the latest 2D nanomaterials.Strategies and traps for performance enhancement of 2D nanocatalysts are highlighted,which point out the differences and similarities of series issues for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.In addition,2D nanocatalysts and their catalytic applications are discussed.Finally,opportunities,challenges and development directions for 2D nanocatalysts are described.The intention of this review is to inspire and direct interest in this research realm for the creation of future 2D nanomaterials for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.

Photocatalytic applications and modification methods of two-dimensional nanomaterials:a review

Due to its unique electronic structure and special size effect,two-dimensional(2D)nanomaterials have shown great potential far beyond bulk materials in the field of photocatalysis.How to deeply explore the photocatalytic mechanism of 2D nanomaterials and design more efficient 2D semiconductor photocatalysts are research hotspots.This review provides a comprehensive introduction to typical 2D nanomaterials and discusses their current application status in the field of photocatalysis.The effects of material properties such as band structure,morphology,crystal face structure,crystal structure and surface defects on the photocatalytic process are discussed.The main modification methods are highlighted,including doping,noble metal deposition,heterojunction,thickness adjustment,defect engineering,and dye sensitization in 2D material systems.Finally,the future development of 2D nanomaterials is prospected.It is hoped that this paper can provide systematic and useful information for researchers engaged in the field of photocatalysis.

Development prospects of metal-based two-dimensional nanomaterials in lithium-sulfur batteries

A lithium-sulfur(Li-S)system is an important candidate for future lithium-ion system due to its low cost and high specific theoretical capacity(1675 m Ah/g,2600 Wh/kg),which is greatly hindered by the poor conductivity of sulfur,large volume change and dissolution of lithium polysulfides.Two-dimensional(2D)materials with monolayers or few-layers usually have peculiar structures and physical/chemical properties,which can resolve the critical issues in Li-S batteries.Especially,the metal-based 2D nanomaterials,including ferrum,cobalt or other metal-based composites with various anions,can provide high conductivity,large surface area and abundant reaction sites for restraining the diffusion for lithium polysulfides.In this mini-review,we will present an overview of recent developments on metal-based 2D nanomaterials with various anions as the electrode materials for Li-S batteries.Since the main bottleneck for the Li-S system is the shuttle of polysulfides,emphasis is placed on the structure and components,physical/chemical interaction and interaction mechanisms of the 2D materials.Finally,the challenges and prospects of metal-based 2D nanomaterials for Li-S batteries are discussed and proposed.

Two-dimensional silicon nanomaterials for optoelectronics

Silicon nanomaterials have been of immense interest in the last few decades due to their remarkable optoelectronic responses,elemental abundance,and higher biocompatibility.Two-dimensional silicon is one of the new allotropes of silicon and has many compelling properties such as quantum-confined photoluminescence,high charge carrier mobilities,anisotropic electronic and magnetic response,and non-linear optical properties.This review summarizes the recent advances in the synthesis of two-dimensional silicon nanomaterials with a range of structures(silicene,silicane,and multilayered silicon),surface ligand engineering,and corresponding optoelectronic applications.

Experimental and theoretical studies on two-dimensional vanadium carbide hybrid nanomaterials derived from V_(4)AlC_(3) as excellent catalyst for MgH_(2)

Hydrogen is considered one of the most ideal future energy carriers.The safe storage and convenient transportation of hydrogen are key factors for the utilization of hydrogen energy.In the current investigation,two-dimensional vanadium carbide(VC) was prepared by an etching method using V_(4)AlC_(3) as a precursor and then employed to enhance the hydrogen storage properties of MgH_(2).The studied results indicate that VC-doped MgH_(2) can absorb hydrogen at room temperature and release hydrogen at 170℃. Moreover,it absorbs 5.0 wt.%of H_(2) within 9.8 min at 100℃ and desorbs 5.0 wt.% of H_(2) within 3.2 min at 300℃.The dehydrogenation apparent activation energy of VC-doped MgH_(2) is 89.3 ± 2.8 kJ/mol,which is far lower than that of additive-free MgH_(2)(138.5 ± 2.4 kJ/mol),respectively.Ab-initio simulations showed that VC can stretch Mg-H bonds and make the Mg-H bonds easier to break,which is responsible for the decrease of dehydrogenation temperature and conducive to accelerating the diffusion rate of hydrogen atoms,thus,the hydrogen storage properties of MgH_(2) are remarkable improved through addition of VC.

Recent advances in two-dimensional nanomaterials for bone tissue engineering

Over the last decades,bone tissue engineering has increasingly become a research focus in the field of biomedical engineering,in which biomaterials play an important role because they can provide both biomechanical support and osteogenic microenvironment in the process of bone regeneration.Among these biomaterials,two-dimensional(2D)nanomaterials have recently attracted considerable interest owing to their fantastic physicochemical and biological properties including great biocompatibility,excellent osteogenic capability,large specific surface area,and outstanding drug loading capacity.In this review,we summarize the state-of-the-art advances in 2D nanomaterials for bone tissue engineering.Firstly,we introduce the most explored biomaterials used in bone tissue engineering and their advantages.We then highlight the advances of cutting-edge 2D nanomaterials such as graphene and its derivatives,layered double hydroxides,black phosphorus,transition metal dichalcogenides,montmorillonite,hexagonal boron nitride,graphite phase carbon nitride,and transition metal carbonitrides(MXenes)used in bone tissue engineering.Finally,the current challenges and future prospects of 2D nanomaterials for bone tissue regeneration in process of clinical translation are discussed.

Diversiform gas sensors based on two-dimensional nanomaterials

Two-dimensional(2D)nanomaterials have been widely used in gas sensing due to their large specific surface area,high surface reactivity,and excellent gas adsorption properties.This paper reviews the typical synthesis methods of various types of 2D nanomaterials and summarizes the recent progress in gas sensors based on 2D materials,such as noble metal nanoparticles(NPs),metal oxides(MOS),conductive polymers,other new 2D materials.The methods of doping,modification,and photoexcitation can effectively improve the gas-sensing properties of 2D materials.The sensitive mechanisms of heterojunction,Schottky junction,and photoexcitation in 2D material sensors are discussed in detail.This paper discusses the application prospects of 2D materials in wearable gas sensors,food safety,and self-powered sensing,and provides ideas for further applications in environmental quality monitoring and disease diagnosis.In addition,the opportunities and challenges for gas sensors based on 2D materials are also discussed.

Mode-locking of fiber lasers using novel two-dimensional nanomaterials: graphene and topological insulators [Invited]

The paper summarizes the recent achievements in the area of ultrafast fiber lasers mode-locked with so-called lowdimensional nanomaterials: graphene, topological insulators（Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3, Sb2Te3）, and transition metal sulfide semiconductors, like molybdenum disulfide（MoS2）. The most important experimental achievements are described and compared. Additionally, new original results on ultrashort pulse generation at 1.94 μm wavelength using graphene are presented. The designed Tm-doped fiber laser utilizes multilayer graphene as a saturable absorber and generates 654 fs pulses at 1940 nm wavelength, which are currently the shortest pulses generated from a Tm-doped fiber laser with a graphene-based saturable absorber.

Nano-bio interfaces effect of two-dimensional nanomaterials and their applications in cancer immunotherapy

The field of two-dimensional(2D)nanomaterial-based cancer immunotherapy combines research from multiple subdisciplines of material science,nano-chemistry,in particular nanobiological interactions,immunology,and medicinal chemistry.Most importantly,the"biological identity"of nanomaterials governed by bio-molecular corona in terms of bimolecular types,relative abundance,and conformation at the nanomaterial surface is now believed to influence blood circulation time,biodistribution,immune response,cellular uptake,and intracellular trafficking.A better understanding of nano-bio interactions can improve utilization of 2D nano-architectures for cancer immunotherapy and immunotheranostics,allowing them to be adapted or modified to treat other immune dysregulation syndromes including autoimmune diseases or inflammation,infection,tissue regeneration,and transplantation.The manuscript reviews the biological interactions and immunotherapeutic applications of 2D nanomaterials,including understanding their interactions with biological molecules of the immune system,summarizes and prospects the applications of 2D nanomaterials in cancer immunotherapy.

Laser spectroscopy imaging technique coupled withnanomaterials for cancer diagnosis: A review

Laser spectroscopic imaging techniques have received tremendous attention in the-eld of cancer diagnosis due to their high sensitivity,high temporal resolution,and short acquisition time.However,the limited tissue penetration of the laser is still a challenge for the in vivo diagnosis of deep-seated lesions.Nanomaterials have been universally integrated with spectroscopic imaging techniques for deeper cancer diagnosis in vivo.The components,morphology,and sizes of nanomaterials are delicately designed,which could realize cancer diagnosis in vivo or in situ.Considering the enhanced signal emitting from the nanomaterials,we emphasized their combination with spectroscopic imaging techniques for cancer diagnosis,like the surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS),photoacoustic,fluorescence,and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS).Applications ofthe above spectroscopic techniques offer new prospectsfor cancer diagnosis.

Progress on two-dimensional ferrovalley materials

The electron's charge and spin degrees of freedom are at the core of modern electronic devices. With the in-depth investigation of two-dimensional materials, another degree of freedom, valley, has also attracted tremendous research interest. The intrinsic spontaneous valley polarization in two-dimensional magnetic systems, ferrovalley material, provides convenience for detecting and modulating the valley. In this review, we first introduce the development of valleytronics.Then, the valley polarization forms by the p-, d-, and f-orbit that are discussed. Following, we discuss the investigation progress of modulating the valley polarization of two-dimensional ferrovalley materials by multiple physical fields, such as electric, stacking mode, strain, and interface. Finally, we look forward to the future developments of valleytronics.

Recent advances in two-dimensional photovoltaic devices

Two-dimensional(2D)materials have attracted tremendous interest in view of the outstanding optoelectronic properties,showing new possibilities for future photovoltaic devices toward high performance,high specific power and flexibility.In recent years,substantial works have focused on 2D photovoltaic devices,and great progress has been achieved.Here,we present the review of recent advances in 2D photovoltaic devices,focusing on 2D-material-based Schottky junctions,homojunctions,2D−2D heterojunctions,2D−3D heterojunctions,and bulk photovoltaic effect devices.Furthermore,advanced strategies for improving the photovoltaic performances are demonstrated in detail.Finally,conclusions and outlooks are delivered,providing a guideline for the further development of 2D photovoltaic devices.

Recent progress on valley polarization and valley-polarized topological states in two-dimensional materials

Valleytronics, using valley degree of freedom to encode, process, and store information, may find practical applications in low-power-consumption devices. Recent theoretical and experimental studies have demonstrated that twodimensional(2D) honeycomb lattice systems with inversion symmetry breaking, such as transition-metal dichalcogenides(TMDs), are ideal candidates for realizing valley polarization. In addition to the optical field, lifting the valley degeneracy of TMDs by introducing magnetism is an efficient way to manipulate the valley degree of freedom. In this paper, we first review the recent progress on valley polarization in various TMD-based systems, including magnetically doped TMDs,intrinsic TMDs with both inversion and time-reversal symmetry broken, and magnetic TMD heterostructures. When topologically nontrivial bands are empowered into valley-polarized systems, valley-polarized topological states, namely valleypolarized quantum anomalous Hall effect can be realized. Therefore, we have also reviewed the theoretical proposals for realizing valley-polarized topological states in 2D honeycomb lattices. Our paper can help readers quickly grasp the latest research developments in this field.

Anomalous valley Hall effect in two-dimensional valleytronic materials

The anomalous valley Hall effect(AVHE)can be used to explore and utilize valley degrees of freedom in materials,which has potential applications in fields such as information storage,quantum computing and optoelectronics.AVHE exists in two-dimensional(2D)materials possessing valley polarization(VP),and such 2D materials usually belong to the hexagonal honeycomb lattice.Therefore,it is necessary to achieve valleytronic materials with VP that are more readily to be synthesized and applicated experimentally.In this topical review,we introduce recent developments on realizing VP as well as AVHE through different methods,i.e.,doping transition metal atoms,building ferrovalley heterostructures and searching for ferrovalley materials.Moreover,2D ferrovalley systems under external modulation are also discussed.2D valleytronic materials with AVHE demonstrate excellent performance and potential applications,which offer the possibility of realizing novel low-energy-consuming devices,facilitating further development of device technology,realizing miniaturization and enhancing functionality of them.

Emerging two-dimensional Mo-based materials for rechargeable metal-ion batteries:Advances and perspectives

With the rapid development of rechargeable metal-ion batteries(MIBs)with safety,stability and high energy density,significant efforts have been devoted to exploring high-performance electrode materials.In recent years,two-dimensional(2D)molybdenum-based(Mo-based)materials have drawn considerable attention due to their exceptional characteristics,including low cost,unique crystal structure,high theoretical capacity and controllable chemical compositions.However,like other transition metal compounds,Mo-based materials are facing thorny challenges to overcome,such as slow electron/ion transfer kinetics and substantial volume changes during the charge and discharge processes.In this review,we summarize the recent progress in developing emerging 2D Mo-based electrode materials for MIBs,encompassing oxides,sulfides,selenides,carbides.After introducing the crystal structure and common synthesis methods,this review sheds light on the charge storage mechanism of several 2D Mo-based materials by various advanced characterization techniques.The latest achievements in utilizing 2D Mo-based materials as electrode materials for various MIBs(including lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)and zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs))are discussed in detail.Afterwards,the modulation strategies for enhancing the electrochemical performance of 2D Mo-based materials are highlighted,focusing on heteroatom doping,vacancies creation,composite coupling engineering and nanostructure design.Finally,we present the existing challenges and future research directions for 2D Mo-based materials to realize high-performance energy storage systems.

Image segmentation of exfoliated two-dimensional materials by generative adversarial network-based data augmentation

Mechanically cleaved two-dimensional materials are random in size and thickness.Recognizing atomically thin flakes by human experts is inefficient and unsuitable for scalable production.Deep learning algorithms have been adopted as an alternative,nevertheless a major challenge is a lack of sufficient actual training images.Here we report the generation of synthetic two-dimensional materials images using StyleGAN3 to complement the dataset.DeepLabv3Plus network is trained with the synthetic images which reduces overfitting and improves recognition accuracy to over 90%.A semi-supervisory technique for labeling images is introduced to reduce manual efforts.The sharper edges recognized by this method facilitate material stacking with precise edge alignment,which benefits exploring novel properties of layered-material devices that crucially depend on the interlayer twist-angle.This feasible and efficient method allows for the rapid and high-quality manufacturing of atomically thin materials and devices.

Single-cell manipulation by two-dimensional micropatterning

Cells are highly sensitive to their geometrical and mechanical microenvironment that directly regulate cell shape,cytoskeleton and organelle,as well as the nucleus morphology and genetic expression.The emerging two-dimensional micropatterning techniques offer powerful tools to construct controllable and well-organized microenvironment for single-cell level investigations with qualitative analysis,cellular standardization,and in vivo environment mimicking.Here,we provide an overview of the basic principle and characteristics of the two most widely-used micropatterning techniques,including photolithographic micropatterning and soft lithography micropatterning.Moreover,we summarize the application of micropatterning technique in controlling cytoskeleton,cell migration,nucleus and gene expression,as well as intercellular communication.

Magnetic proximity effect in the two-dimensional ε-Fe_(2)O_(3)/NbSe_(2)heterojunction

Two-dimensional(2D)magnet/superconductor heterostructures can promote the design of artificial materials for exploring 2D physics and device applications by exotic proximity effects.However,plagued by the low Curie temperature and instability in air,it is hard to realize practical applications for the reported layered magnetic materials at present.In this paper,we developed a space-confined chemical vapor deposition method to synthesize ultrathin air-stable ε-Fe_(2)O_(3) nanosheets with Curie temperature above 350 K.The ε-Fe_(2)O_(3)/NbSe_(2) heterojunction was constructed to study the magnetic proximity effect on the superconductivity of the NbSe_(2) multilayer.The electrical transport results show that the subtle proximity effect can modulate the interfacial spin–orbit interaction while undegrading the superconducting critical parameters.Our work paves the way to construct 2D heterojunctions with ultrathin nonlayered materials and layered van der Waals(vdW)materials for exploring new physical phenomena.