Kapuria Nilotpal, Patil Niraj Nitish, Ryan Kevin M, Singh Shalini
Department of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
Nanoscale. 2022 Feb 24;14(8):2885-2914. doi: 10.1039/d1nr06990j.
Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor nanocrystals display unconventional physical and opto-electronic properties due to their ultrathin and unique electronic structures. Since the success of Cd-based photoemissive nanocrystals, the development of sustainable and low-cost nanocrystals with enhanced electronic and physical properties has become a central research theme. In this context, copper-based semiconductor 2D nanocrystals, the cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative, exhibit unique plasmonic resonance, transport properties, and high ionic conductivity beneficial for sensing, energy storage, conversion, and catalytic applications. This review summarizes recent progress in the colloidal synthesis, growth mechanisms, properties, and applications of 2D copper-based nanostructures with tunable compositions, dimensions, and crystal phases. We highlight the growth mechanisms concerning their shape evolution in two dimensions. We analyse the effectiveness of cation exchange as a tool to synthesize multinary nanocrystals. Based on the preparation of Cu-based chalcogenide and non-chalcogenide compositions, we discuss synthesis control achieved colloidal approaches to allow dimension tunability, phase engineering, and plasmonic and thermoelectric property optimization. Furthermore, their potential in various applications of catalysis, energy storage, and sensing is reviewed. Finally, we address the current challenges associated with 2D Cu-based nanocrystal development and provide an outlook pertaining to unexplored research areas.
二维（2D）半导体纳米晶体因其超薄且独特的电子结构而展现出非常规的物理和光电特性。自从基于镉的光发射纳米晶体取得成功以来，开发具有增强电子和物理性能的可持续且低成本的纳米晶体已成为核心研究主题。在此背景下，基于铜的半导体二维纳米晶体作为经济高效且环保的替代品，展现出独特的等离子体共振、传输特性以及高离子导电性，这对传感、能量存储、转换及催化应用有益。本综述总结了具有可调组成、尺寸和晶相的二维铜基纳米结构在胶体合成、生长机制、性能及应用方面的最新进展。我们着重介绍了涉及其二维形状演变的生长机制。我们分析了阳离子交换作为合成多元纳米晶体工具的有效性。基于铜基硫族化物和非硫族化物组成的制备，我们讨论了通过胶体方法实现的合成控制，以实现尺寸可调性、相工程以及等离子体和热电性能优化。此外，还综述了它们在催化、能量存储和传感等各种应用中的潜力。最后，我们阐述了与二维铜基纳米晶体开发相关的当前挑战，并展望了尚未探索的研究领域。
