Surface Science and Catalysis of Graphene-Related 2D Materials

Dear Colleagues,

Graphene (G) and other 2D materials (e.g., h-BN, transition metal chalcogenides, phosphorene, 2D carbides, 2D oxides, etc.) are altogether referred to as graphene-related materials (GRMs), and they are gaining great interest for their exceptional properties. Today, the forefront of research has progressed from simple GRM preparation and characterization toward their use in real applications. Whereas in many devices (photonics, optoelectronics, etc.), the goal is the most perfect GRM assemblies with defect-less interfaces, in the case of catalysis (either photo- and electro- and thermal catalysts), energy, and sensor, the quantity and quality of the exposed surfaces and their defectivity play a leading role for the designed functionalities. In these cases, chemically-modified high surface area GRMs hybrid nanoarchitectures (organized in 2D and 3D) are the target. In particular, systems constituted by 2D GRMs, assembled together to form 3D interconnected networks or hybridized with other nano-objects like nanoparticles, nanotubes, and capsules, have the great advantage of maintaining a high surface area while inducing multifunctionality. Very remarkably, the new engineered GRMs systems can be used either as innovative supports for dispersed catalysts or as metal-free catalysts themselves. In addition, they are also effective platforms to anchor molecular active centers, thus combining the activity and selectivity of the homogeneous catalysts with recyclability and stability of the final catalytic system.

The rational design of the chemical properties of such 2D and 3D GRMs requires an equally rational approach. Surface science can provide an effective platform for developing and testing GRMs for catalysis and energy chemistry. The aim of this Special Issue is to offer an open-access forum where researchers in the field of surface science, energy chemistry, and catalysis could join their efforts to rationally develop new 2D and 3D GRMs systems for their application in strategic fields like catalysis and energy conversion.

Prof. Qiang Fu
Prof. Gaetano Granozzi
Guest Editors

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