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The investigations on anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and conversion play a vital role in eradicating global warming and the energy crisis. In this context, defect-engineered two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have received much attention in recent years. Herein, the significance of 2D nanomaterials such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, hexagonal boron nitride, MXenes, graphitic carbon nitride, metal/covalent organic frameworks, nanoclays, borophenes, graphynes and green phosphorenes for CO2 capture and conversion has been emphasized. Further, the intrinsic mechanism of CO2 adsorption and conversion is discussed in detail. Theoretical and experimental studies among 2D materials highlight that N-doped porous adsorbents based on graphene and MXenes are more suitable for CO2 adsorption applications. Also, more emphasis is given to outlining and discussing the role of various 2D nanomaterials and their hybrids as photocatalysts, electrocatalysts, photoelectrocatalysts, and thermocatalysts to transform CO2 into valuable products. Although immense efforts are deployed in developing 2D catalysts for the conversion of CO2, challenges such as agglomeration, poor yield, difficulties in analysing the 2D structures for catalytic factors, poor knowledge and in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanisms, high cost, etc. limit their large scale production and commercialization. More detailed theoretical and experimental investigations are required to develop 2D nanostructures with optimum properties for large-scale capture and conversion of CO2.

Nanostructured photocatalysts have always offered opportunities to solve issues concerned with the environmental challenges caused by rapid urbanization and industrialization. These materials, due to their tunable physicochemical characteristics, are capable of providing a clean and sustainable ecosystem to humanity. One of the current thriving research focuses of visible-light-driven photocatalysts is on the nanocomposites of titanium dioxide (TiO2) with carbon nanostructures, especially graphene. Coupling TiO2 with graphene has proven more active by photocatalysis than TiO2 alone. It is generally considered that graphene sheets act as an electron acceptor facilitating the transfer and separation of photogenerated electrons during TiO2 excitation, thereby reducing electron-hole recombination. This study briefly reviews the fundamental mechanism and interfacial charge-transfer dynamics in TiO2/graphene nanocomposites. Design strategies of various graphene-based hybrids are highlighted along with some specialized synthetic routes adopted to attain preferred properties. Importantly, the enhancing interfacial charge transfer of photogenerated e¯CB through the graphene layers by morphology orientation of TiO2, predominated exposure of their high energy crystal facets, defect engineering, enhancing catalytic sites in graphene, constructing dedicated architectures, tuning the nanomaterial dimensionality at the interface, and employing the synergism adopted through various modifications, are systematically compiled. Portraying the significance of these photocatalytic hybrids in environmental remediation, important applications including air and water purification, self-cleaning surfaces, H2 production, and CO2 reduction to desired fuels, are addressed.

Superhydrophilicity and photocatalysis are of great importance for self-cleaning applications. We report the synthesis of ZnO and ZnO loaded graphene nanostructures at different pH values with exposed polar facets by a simple hydrothermal method. Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide is used as surfactant and the synthesis is carried out without the aid of high temperature and demonstrated to have a superior photocatalytic activity. We observed a reduction in band gap for graphene loaded ZnO samples. Further, a one-step spin coating method is used for the preparation of optically transparent and photoinduced superhydrophilic ZnO hybrid films. We investigated the effect of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide capping agent on crystal growth and morphology of as synthesised samples. An effective improvement in photocatalytic activity of the nanohybrid (~100%) compared to pure ZnO (85%) is observed within 150 min. This can be attributed to the synergetic interaction of the components of the hybrid. Also, the hybrid samples coated on the glass substrate exhibits good transparency and superhydrophilicity upon UV irradiation. An unexpected transmittance as high as 84-97% throughout most of the visible light region of the spectrum of the hybrid samples along with good photocatalytic efficiency and photoinduced superhydrophilicity makes the samples more suitable for self-cleaning applications.

A tetraphenylcyclopentadiene based multifunctional, solution processable, fluorescent, ultramicroporous polymer exhibiting high hydrogen uptake was employed for encapsulation of dyes to obtain enhanced white light emission in solution, nanoparticles, gel and transparent thin film. Hybrid nanoparticles showed a quantum yield of 35% with a high color rendering index.