Owing to the unique physical and chemical properties of 2D materials and the great success of graphene in various applications, the scientific community has been influenced to explore a new class of graphene-like 2D materials for next-generation technological applications. Consequently, many alternative layered and non-layered 2D materials, including h-BN, TMDs, and MXenes, have been synthesized recently for applications related to the 4th industrial revolution. In this review, recent progress in state-of-the-art research on 2D materials, including their synthesis routes, characterization and application-oriented properties, has been highlighted. The evolving applications of 2D materials in the areas of electronics, optoelectronics, spintronic devices, sensors, high-performance and transparent electrodes, energy conversion and storage, electromagnetic interference shielding, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and nanocomposites are discussed. In particular, the state-of-the-art applications, challenges, and outlook of every class of 2D material are also presented as concluding remarks to guide this fast-progressing class of 2D materials beyond graphene for scientific research into next-generation materials.
Recent decades have witnessed a surge in research interest in bio-nanocomposite-based packaging materials, but still, a lack of systematic analysis exists in this domain. Bio-based packaging materials pose a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based packaging materials. The current work employs bibliometric analysis to deliver a comprehensive outline on the role of bio nanocomposites in packaging. India, Iran, and China were revealed to be the top three nations actively engaged in this domain in total publications. Islamic Azad University in Iran and Universiti Putra Malaysia in Malaysia are among the world's best institutions in active research and publications in this field. The extensive collaboration between nations and institutions highlights the significance of a holistic approach towards bio-nanocomposite. The National Natural Science Foundation of China is the leading funding body in this field of research. Among authors, Jong whan Rhim secured the topmost citations (2234) in this domain (13 publications). Among journals, Carbohydrate Polymers secured the maximum citation count (4629) from 36 articles; the initial one was published in 2011. Bio nanocomposite is the most frequently used keyword. Researchers and policymakers focussing on sustainable packaging solutions will gain crucial insights on the current research status on packaging solutions using bio-nanocomposites from the conclusions.