Two-dimensional materials for photocatalytic water splitting and CO2 reduction

Abstract

Considering the increased energy consumption with tremendously growing population and industrialization, incorporation of abundant and clean energy systems in the energy mix is an absolute and prime requisite for sustainability of the emergent civilization. Currently 90% of the energy used globally is generated from carbon-based highly polluting fuels. However, fossil fuels like oil, coal, and gas reservoirs are a limited resource and will eventually become extinct. Moreover, combustion of fossil fuels is a major source of CO2 emission and greenhouse effect which are a major environmental threat. Therefore alternative clean, rich, and sustainable energy conversion, conservation, and storage strategies are required to be implemented on a rather urgent basis. The solutions are expected to come through materials innovations which embody interdisciplinary research.