Two-Dimensional Materials for Solar-Thermal Storage and Solar Power Conversion

The world's energy demand is increasing rapidly due to population growth and technological development. Solar energy is a promising and freely available green energy source for addressing long-term difficulties during an energy crisis. Low-cost functional materials for solar energy utilization are important and attractive. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have gained a great deal of attention owing to their unique optical and electrical features for next-generation solar devices. There are no known alternatives that possess a big specific surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, strong chemical stability, and flexibility. 2D materials' atomically thin bodies and high flexibility make them the ideal choice for synergistic integration with next-generation solar technologies. However, the structure and qualities of active materials have a significant impact on the overall performance of solar-thermal storage and conversion. 2D materials have abundant functional groups on the surface, which can greatly elevate solar affinity. Surface-active chromophores are highly susceptible to solar absorption. Due to their high carrier mobility, tunable band structure, and variable work function features, they considerably impact the charge carrier dynamics of solar systems. According to studies, the energy efficiency of solar conversion can be greatly improved by using 2D layered nanomaterials with phase change materials or other classical materials. This chapter outlines structural relevances and solar-thermal events in various emerging 2D materials for excellent thermal energy density and next-generation solar-based energy supply systems.