Promising functional two-dimensional lamellar metal thiophosphates: synthesis strategies, properties and applications

Two-dimensional nanomaterials have been one of the most attractive material families in recent years. Among these materials, lamellar metal thiophosphates can represent promising candidates with great potential for applications in many fields. Here, we review recent progress in the field of metal thiophosphates, including (i) synthesis methods, such as the solid-state method and vapor phase growth method; (ii) crystal and electronic structures, conductivity, magnetism, and optical and intercalation properties; (iii) applications in lithium-based batteries, sodium ion batteries, water splitting reactions and so on. In addition, the critical problems and challenges in this field are also discussed.