A review of graphene-based 3D van der Waals hybrids and their energy applications

Abstract

Different kinds of 2D materials can be well hybridized by constructing van der Waals heterostructures of them. Among various kinds of 2D materials, graphene has caught the most attention attributed to its superior electronic and mechanical features. To fully maintain and demonstrate their intrinsic features, 3D nanostructured graphene materials are proposed and can be realized by the in-situ curving of graphene layers or the post-assembly of graphene nanosheets. Furthermore, by the integration of 3D graphene framework and other 2D materials, graphene-based 3D van der Waals hybrids can be obtained with superior performances and promising applications in various energy fields. In this review, recent advances on graphene-based 3D van der Waals hybrids for energy applications were summarized, highlighting the hybrids between graphene and transition-metal dichalcogenides, other transition metal compounds, metal-free 2D materials, and multiple 2D materials. We hope this review can inspire more innovative insights into this emerging topic in energy materials.