Structure regulation of 2D materials by atom confinement for electrocatalysis

Developing highly active and stable electrocatalysts is significant for generating green energy. Ultrahigh exposed active atoms, tunable electronic properties, and high charge migration rate offer a substantial scope of two-dimensional (2D) materials as advanced electrocatalysts but still face limited intrinsic activities and poor stability. Confining metal or non-metal atoms in 2D materials has recently expressed high activity and stability due to the regulated electronic structure. In this review, based on the analysis of the structure of 2D materials, we systematically summarize and elucidate the scientific essence of improved electrocatalysis activity by confining atoms. First, we introduce the favorable structure of 2D single-element and compound materials for electrocatalysis. Then, recent progress in intrinsic and interface structure regulation of modified 2D material by coordination- and substitution-confinement is comprehensively reviewed with a special focus on the advances in interface structure regulation by metal atoms confinement. Finally, future research directions and opportunities for developing more advanced 2D confinement material for electrocatalysis are proposed. This review offers some guidance in the rational construction of efficient 2D materials by atom confinement for meeting the high demands in electrocatalysts.