Recent progress in microwave-assisted preparations of 2D materials and catalysis applications

On the urgency of metal-free catalysts, two-dimensional materials (2DMs) have caused extensive researches because of distinctive optical and electronic properties. In the last decade, microwave methods have emerged in rapid and effective preparations of 2DMs for catalysis. Microwave heating offers several advantages namely direct, fast, selective heating and uniform reaction temperature compared to conventional heating methods, thus bringing about high-yield and high-purity products in minutes or even seconds. This review summarizes recent advances in microwave-assisted preparations of 2DMs-based catalysts and their state-of-the-art catalytic performances. Microwave heating mechanisms are briefly introduced mainly focusing on microwave-matter interactions, which can guide the choice of precursors, liquid media, substrates, auxiliaries and experiment parameters during microwave radiation. We especially provide a detailed insight into various microwave-assisted procedures, classified as exfoliation, synthesis, doping, modification and construction towards different 2DMs nanomaterials. We also discuss how microwave affects the synthetic composition and microstructure of 2DMs-based catalysts, thereby deeply influencing their optical and electronic properties and the catalytic performances. Finally, advantages, challenges and prospects of microwave-assisted approaches for 2DMs nanomaterials are summarized to inspire the effective and large-scale fabrication of novel 2DMs-based catalysts.