Three-dimensional architectures constructed using two-dimensional nanosheets

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and graphene have attracted extensive interest as emergent materials, owing to their excellent properties that favor their future use in electronic devices, catalysis, optics, and biological-or energy-relevant areas. However, 2D nanosheets tend to easily restack and condense, which weakens their performance in many of these applications. Assembling these 2D nanosheets as building blocks for three-dimensional (3D) architectures not only maintains the intrinsic performances of the 2D nanostructures but also synergistically makes use of the advantages of the 3D microstructures to improve the overall material properties. In this critical review, we will highlight recent developments of sundry 2D nanosheet-assembled 3D architectures, including their design, synthesis, and potential applications. Their controllable syntheses, novel structures, and potential applications will be systematically explained, analyzed, and summarized. In the end, we will offer some perspective on the challenges facing future advancement of this field.

Manipulating the Architecture of Atomically Thin Transition Metal (Hydr)oxides for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Catalysis

“…The assembled architecture of the nanosheets also plays an important role due to its strong correlation with the optoelectronic, electrical, magnetic, and thermal properties of nanosheet-based devices. [43][44][45] To date, very few studies have reported the effect of assembled architecture on electrochemical performance, since the rational control of the composition and morphology is very difficult to achieve. It is, therefore, highly desirable but also extremely challenging to develop a universal method to gradually manipulate the architecture of nanosheets with the goal of further improving their properties and functionalities in practical applications.…”

Two‐Dimensional Transition Metal Oxides and Chalcogenides for Advanced Photocatalysis: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

“…Driven by the reduction of surface energy, freestanding 2D NSs are subject to an inherent tendency of aggregation or restacking, [ 146 ] which can eliminate reactive sites and thus erode catalytic properties. [ 147 ] This drawback is resolved in 3D hierarchical architecture built from 2D NSs, in which the intrinsic advantages of 2D units are retained and new intriguing physicochemical properties arise. This section covers the recent progress in the synthesis of hierarchical 3D TMOs and TMCs.…”

Free‐Standing Nanostructured Architecture as a Promising Platform for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

“…Furthermore, such a 2D structure enables them to act as building blocks to be self‐assembled into various free‐standing architectures (e.g., film/paper and foam/sponge) with a continuous porous network by controlling the π–π stacking, van der Waals force, and electrostatic interaction between the planar basal planes. [ 16 ] These architectures display excellent mechanical properties and a highly conductive network since the continuous graphene scaffolds offer good electron/load transfer pathways. In addition, the pores of free‐standing architectures provide the space for loading sulfur and accommodating volumetric change.…”