Applications and theory investigation of two-dimensional boron nitride nanomaterials in energy catalysis and storage

Energy catalysis and storage are the key technologies to solve energy and environmental problems in energy systems. Two-dimensional (2D) boron nitride nanomaterials have aroused a great interest in the synthesis and application because of their unique 2D nature, large band gap, metal-free characteristic, high thermal/mechanical stability, and easy accessibility. The composition and coordination determine the geometric and electronic structures of boron nitride nanosheet and greatly influence the catalytic performance in numerous important reactions. The reviews with close relation on the aspect the comprehensive analysis of boron nitride nanosheet used for energy conversion and storage have expansive research space in the field of catalysis. Herein, this review narrates the physicochemical properties of boron nitride nanomaterials and summarizes the synthetic strategies of various boron nitride nanosheets in detail. Keystone is concentrated on the rational design, applied actuality and developing prospect of boron nitride nanomaterials. The abundant applications in energy catalysis and storage including electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, catalytic de/re-hydrogenation, chemo-catalytic hydrogen generation, rechargeable battery and supercapacitors were investigated. Furthermore, corresponding practical application are also studied in this review. Illustratively, the structure characterization, mechanism insights, the current challenges and potential applications of boron nitride-based materials for energy catalysis and storage are minutely discussed.