Two-Dimensional (2D) Layered Materials as Emerging Nanocatalysts in the Production of Biodiesel

Abstract

From the invention of graphene, contemporary researchers have exploited the full potential of layered two-dimensional (2D) materials, and they continue to captivate the field with their peculiar chemical, electronic, structural and physical properties. These layered materials are very distinctive from their bulk solid due to significant alterations in the structural behaviour and electronic configurations, that have various potential applications. With the advent of the manufacturing revolution, different 2D materials have been developed via sophisticated manufacturing techniques. Among them, graphene shows profound catalytic activity in most electrochemical and chemical reactions, and it also has been widely explored as catalytic support for metal nanoparticles (NPs). This chapter discusses the 2D layered materials, particularly graphene catalytic activity and catalyst support for NPs. A further general classification of layered materials and widely adopted techniques for synthesizing 2D layered materials is also discussed. Finally, a perspective on prospects and research directions of layered 2D materials to facilitate diverse applications from academia to the industry has also been provided.