Holey graphene: An Emerging Versatile Material

Abstract

Holey graphene, also known as perforated graphene is formed by generating in-plane holes in basal planes of graphene based materials. By exploiting the combined advantages of holes and graphene, the holey graphene based materials have garnered significant interest due to their exceptional properties such as higher electrical conductivity and higher surface area. These remarkable properties have enabled holey graphene based materials to outperform its pristine form (graphene) and demonstrate its applicability in versatile fields including electrical energy storage (supercapacitors, Li-ion, Li-air, Li-S and Na-ion batteries), energy conversion (electro-watersplitting, dye-sensitized solar cells), water desalination, bioseparation, fuel cells, gas sensors, hydrogen storage and dye degradation systems. As a consequence, it is important to uncover the prime properties and the related potential industrial implications of holey graphene based materials for the development of further research. Hence, in the review, the properties of emerging holey graphene-based materials and various applications including principles, design, fabrication, and engineering aspects are discussed in detail. The recent advances in the state-of-the-art hole generation methods in graphene-based materials along with its working mechanisms, associated issues/solutions, and possible future are discussed. Additionally, the review is aimed to provide critical views on the current status, prospects and generate novel ideas for the development of holey graphene-based materials as a formidable candidate for versatile applications.