Design of two-dimensional porous photocatalysts and their applications in solar fuel and valuable chemical production

Two-dimensional (2D) porous semiconductors with rich pores on their surface have presented great potential in photocatalysis fields by fantastic structural merits. In comparison to the bulk photocatalysts, the 2D porous semiconductor photocatalysts display several obvious merits including a shortened charge shift route, facilitated mass transportation channels, abundant surface active centers, and improved light harvesting capability. Up to now, a variety of experimental strategies have been explored for the synthesis of 2D porous photocatalysts, with improved photocatalytic activity for various reactions being achieved. In this mini-review, the recent advances in advanced 2D porous semiconductors for efficient photocatalytic clean energy evolution were critically reviewed. Meanwhile, the synthesis methods and the fundamental mechanism of 2D porous photocatalysts in various photocatalytic reactions were emphasized. In particular, the effects of the structural, morphology, electronic structure, and charge carrier migration advantages on the facilitated photocatalytic process were highlighted. Finally, the prospects and challenges of 2D porous photocatalysts for large-scale industrial utilization were overlooked and discussed. We cordially look forward to this critical review can offer a snapshot of advanced 2D porous photocatalysts for improved solar light energy conversion and inspire several new concepts for designing high-performance photocatalysts.