Recent progress of two-dimensional photothermal nanomaterials in personal thermal management

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) photothermal nanomaterials with large specific surface areas and high-efficiency solar energy utilization for heat concentration are promising in the field of personal thermal management (PTM). However, their practical application remains challenging due to issues related to rational design, cost-effective fabrication, durability, and safety. A comprehensive summary of recent advancements in 2D photothermal nanomaterials and their PTM applications is essential for understanding these materials and their integration into smart textiles for solar radiation control. This review introduces recent breakthroughs in representative 2D photothermal nanomaterials, including transition metal hydrides (TMHs), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), MXene, graphene, and their derivatives. Key aspects such as synthesis methods, structural characterization, photothermal properties, biocompatibility, and applications in PTM are discussed. To date, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, such as machine learning (ML), deep learning, and data mining, are being increasingly integrated into materials science to accelerate the discovery, design, and optimization of nanomaterials with desirable optoelectronic properties. Due to high-throughput screening and structural optimization, AI provides a prospective insight into the purpose of designing novel and high-performance 2D photothermal materials for desirable PTM applications.