Recent Advances of Ternary Layered Cu2MX4 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis

Photocatalytic technologies, based on efficient light absorption and conversion, have emerged as a viable solution to overcome the problems related to energy and the environment. Development of new cost‐effective materials coupled with the green synthesis routes in order to replace the noble metal‐based catalysts is critical to overcoming this challenge. In this review, a brief summary of the recent progress in ternary layered Cu 2 MX 4 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) nanomaterials and their photocatalytic performance is presented. First, the structural configurations with different phases and crystallinity are described, as well as various experimental synthesis methods of Cu 2 MX 4 nanomaterials. Thereafter, the effect of morphology modulation, facet selection, and multicomponent hybridization on the catalytic activity of Cu 2 MX 4 is elucidated. In addition, a proposal for highly‐efficient Cu 2 MX 4 photocatalysts is presented via rational designing strategies for realizing their specific applications in the fields of photodegradating organic pollutants, water splitting, and other photocatalytic reactions. Finally, the existing research challenges related to ternary Cu 2 MX 4 layers along with future prospects are discussed in detail.