2D Atomically Thin Electrocatalysts: From Graphene to Metallene

Abstract

Thinning materials down to atomic thickness can endow them with unusual physiochemical properties and make for intriguing applications. Although a number of two-dimensional graphene analogs have been developed, preparing atomically thin metallic materials remains a significant, practical challenge. Recently in Nature, Luo et al. successfully synthesized a freestanding 4-atomic-thick PdMo bimetallene and demonstrated a record electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction activity in alkaline electrolyte. We conclude that this bimetallene will provide an ideal model to investigate the active-site catalytic-activity relationship and to optimize electrocatalytic performance at the atomic level. Future synthesis of noble-metal-free metallene (e.g., Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Mo) is anticipated.