Multiple roles of a heterointerface in two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures: insights into energy-related applications

Constructing two dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures is a promising strategy to overcome the shortcomings of individual 2D materials without losing their intrinsic advantages. This review first summarizes the different synthetic strategies for 2D heterostructures. The significant role of 2D heterointerfaces for energy storage and conversion is then discussed, involving charge transfer and redistribution, the 2D space-confined effect and the tunable 2D channel. The recent progress of 2D vdW heterostructures for energy-related electrochemical applications is reviewed, including electrocatalysts (e.g., hydrogen/oxygen evolution reaction and overall water splitting), Li⁺/Na⁺ ion batteries and supercapacitors. Advanced studies that highlight the impressive interfacial synergistic effect for improved performance are systematically introduced. Finally, current challenges and prospective solutions of this field for energy-related applications are proposed.