Two-dimensional nanosheets for electrocatalysis in energy generation and conversion

The 2D structures and tunable properties of nanosheets make them intriguing catalytic materials. This research area is being driven by a need to replace scarce noble metal-based catalysts in energy technologies. We describe recent advances in nanosheet electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, hydrogen evolution, and CO2 reduction reactions. We find at this early stage of development that nanosheet catalysis has surpassed classical noble metal catalysts in several of these applications and is showing high potential in others. CO2 reduction to methane is now catalyzed best by metal-free carbon nanosheets. These trends will likely transform heterogeneous catalysis.