Chapter 2: Opportunities for Ultrathin 2D Catalysts in Promoting CO₂ Photoreduction

Ultrathin 2D catalysts play an important role in promoting the performance of CO₂ photoreduction processes involving light absorption, carrier separation and surface redox reaction. To date, many feasible strategies based on ultrathin 2D catalysts have been proposed to modulate these three processes to significantly improve the catalytic activity and product selectivity. In this chapter, we start with the fundamental principles of photocatalytic CO₂ reduction. Subsequently, we systematically summarise the application of ultrathin 2D catalysts in extending the optical absorption spectrum. Moreover, we elaborate on recent developments in the process of optimising the photogenerated carrier dynamics over ultrathin 2D catalysts. In addition, we survey in detail how ultrathin 2D catalysts regulate the surface reaction dynamics to promote CO₂ photoreduction. Finally, we offer some perspectives on the future outlook for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction.