Visible-light driven photocatalytic water body purification on 2D carbon materials

Visible-light-driven photocatalytic water purification has garnered significant attention due to its energy saving, green process, and sustainability. Two-dimensional (2D) carbon-based materials have become strong contenders for photocatalytic water purification due to their distinctive advantages, including rapid charge transfer, low density, and plentiful reactive sites, making them ideal photocatalysts for environmental applications. In this review, the mechanisms underlying photocatalytic water purification is firstly elaborated in depth. Then, various modification strategies including ions doping, defect engineering, heterostructure construction and noble metal loading for improving the photocatalytic performance of 2D carbon materials are detailed and discussed. The focus is then placed on notable 2D carbon materials like graphene, MXene, and carbon nitride, highlighting their structural and electronic characteristics that enhance photocatalytic activity, along with the connection between material design and photocatalytic efficiency. Finally, we propose key principles and strategies for the improvement and utilization of 2D carbon materials in the future, aiming to advance their commercial application in water purification.