2D Semiconductor Nanostructures for Solar-Driven Photocatalysis: Unveiling Challenges and Prospects in Air Purification, Sustainable Energy Harvesting, and Water Treatment

The use of solar light to accelerate chemical processes (photocatalysis) has the potential to alleviate the pollution and energy crises. Thanks to their large surface area, unusual electronic structure, and abundance of low-coordinate surface atoms, 2D semiconductors have shown enormous promise in photocatalytic applications. The synthesis, photoexcitation processes, design, and development of 2D semiconductor photocatalysts are thoroughly examined in this perspective, as well as their possible applications in air purification, solar energy conversion, organic synthesis, carbon capture and storage, and water treatment. This work highlights ongoing research efforts focused on improving the selectivity and efficiency of photocatalytic applications based on 2D semiconductors by means of hybrid systems, heterostructures, doping, and computational methodologies, together with open challenges. Finally, the integration of 2D semiconductor photocatalysts into indoor and outdoor environments is discussed, thereby facilitating the purification of air and water and generating clean energy, which assists in the pursuit of sustainable development objectives.2D semiconductor nanostructures exhibit promises in solar-driven photocatalysis for air purification, energy harvesting, and water treatment. The synthesis, photoexcitation processes, and development of 2D semiconductor photocatalysts are discussed, highlighting applications in environmental and energy sectors. The role of hybrid systems, heterostructures, doping, and computational methods in overcoming existing challenges is discussed, with a focus on sustainable development integration. image