Structure Re-determination and Superconductivity Observation of Bulk 1T MoS2

Synergistic dual built-in electric fields in 1T-MoS2/Ni3S2/LDH for efficient electrocatalytic overall water splitting reactions

Designing cost-effective electrocatalysts for water decomposition is crucial for achieving environmental-friendly hydrogen production. A transition metal sulfide/hydroxide electrocatalyst (1T-MoS2/Ni3S2/LDH) with double heterogeneous interfaces was developed through a two-step hydrothermal assisted electrodeposition method. The presence of the two built-in electric fields not only accelerated the charge transfer at the interface, but also enhanced the adsorption of the reactants and intermediate groups, and therefore improved the reaction rate and overall catalytic performance. The results suggest that the 1T-MoS2/Ni3S2/LDH catalysts display exceptional electrocatalytic reactivity. Under alkaline conditions, the overpotential of the electrocatalyst was 187 (η50) mV for OER and 104 (η10) mV for HER. Furthermore, the two-electrode system assembled by the electrocatalyst needs only a voltage of 1.55 V to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm-2. Our result provides a simple and effective methodical approach to the design of dual heterogeneous interfacial electrocatalysts.

Bottom-up Synthesis of Highly Chiral 1T Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheets

Chirality in inorganic nanostructures has recently stimulated the attention of many researchers, both to unravel fundamental questions on the origin of chirality in inorganic and hybrid materials, as well as to introduce novel promising properties that are originated by the symmetry breaking. MoS2 is one of the most investigated among the large family of layered transition metal dichalcogenides. In particular, the metastable metallic 1T-MoS2 phase is of large interest for potential applications. However, due to thermodynamic reasons, the synthesis of 1T-MoS2 phase is quite challenging. Herein, we present the first synthesis of chiral 1T-MoS2 phase which shows remarkably high chiroptical activity with a g-factor up to 0.01. Chiral 1T-MoS2 was produced using tartaric acid as a chiral ligand to induce symmetry breaking during the material's growth under hydrothermal conditions, leading to the formation of distorted hierarchical nanosheet assemblies exhibiting chiral morphology. Thorough optimization of the synthetic conditions was carried out to maximize chiroptical activity, which is strongly related to the nanostructures' morphology. Finally, the formation mechanism of the chiral 1T-MoS2 nanosheet assemblies was investigated, focusing on the role of molecular intermediates in the growth of the nanosheets and the transfer of chirality.

Crystal-Phase Engineering in Heterogeneous Catalysis

The performance of a chemical reaction is critically dependent on the electronic and/or geometric structures of a material in heterogeneous catalysis. Over the past century, the Sabatier principle has already provided a conceptual framework for optimal catalyst design by adjusting the electronic structure of the catalytic material via a change in composition. Beyond composition, it is essential to recognize that the geometric atomic structures of a catalyst, encompassing terraces, edges, steps, kinks, and corners, have a substantial impact on the activity and selectivity of a chemical reaction. Crystal-phase engineering has the capacity to bring about substantial alterations in the electronic and geometric configurations of a catalyst, enabling control over coordination numbers, morphological features, and the arrangement of surface atoms. Modulating the crystallographic phase is therefore an important strategy for improving the stability, activity, and selectivity of catalytic materials. Nonetheless, a complete understanding of how the performance depends on the crystal phase of a catalyst remains elusive, primarily due to the absence of a molecular-level view of active sites across various crystal phases. In this review, we primarily focus on assessing the dependence of catalytic performance on crystal phases to elucidate the challenges and complexities inherent in heterogeneous catalysis, ultimately aiming for improved catalyst design.

Charge Mobility and Strain Engineering in Two-Step MS-Grown MoS2/Seed Layer Heterointerface and Photo-Excitation Mechanism

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have potential application and wide development prospects in photoelectron and spintronic devices. However, the properties of different growth conditions are challenging to study in the future. This, in turn, hinders further research into 2D materials and the manufacture of high-quality devices. A comprehensive understanding of the ultrafast laser spectroscopy and dynamics that take into account the substrate-transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) interaction is lacking. Here, the strain effect is elucidated by systematically investigating the interfacial interaction between different substrates and MoS₂. The strain and interface engineering of MoS₂/seeds layer heterointerface and light-matter coupling are discussed in the Raman and photoluminescence spectra. The dramatic enhanced PL originates from the phase transition of MoS₂ on different substrates and electron-hole pairs dissociated by exciton screening effect. Finite-difference time-domain simulation confirmed that the electric field, magnetic field, and polarization field of the heterojunction system changed after the strain was applied. In addition, based on the dependence of physical parameters of MoS₂, the relative numerical changes of physical parameters of MoS₂ films on different substrates as well as the photoelectric transfer, strain, and charge doping levels on the surface or interface will provide a direction for optimizing the selection of various devices.

Bridging the gap between atomically thin semiconductors and metal leads

Electrically interfacing atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductors (TMDSCs) with metal leads is challenging because of undesired interface barriers, which have drastically constrained the electrical performance of TMDSC devices for exploring their unconventional physical properties and realizing potential electronic applications. Here we demonstrate a strategy to achieve nearly barrier-free electrical contacts with few-layer TMDSCs by engineering interfacial bonding distortion. The carrier-injection efficiency of such electrical junction is substantially increased with robust ohmic behaviors from room to cryogenic temperatures. The performance enhancements of TMDSC field-effect transistors are well reflected by the low contact resistance (down to 90 Ωµm in MoS₂, towards the quantum limit), the high field-effect mobility (up to 358,000 cm²V^-1s^-1 in WSe₂), and the prominent transport characteristics at cryogenic temperatures. This method also offers possibilities of the local manipulation of atomic structures and electronic properties for TMDSC device design.

Kinetic 2D Crystals via Topochemical Approach

The designing of novel materials is a fascinating and innovative pathway in materials science. Particularly, novel layered compounds have tremendous influence in various research fields. Advanced fundamental studies covering various aspects, including reactants and synthetic methods, are required to obtain novel layered materials with unique physical and chemical properties. Among the promising synthetic techniques, topochemical approaches have afforded the platform for widening the extent of novel 2D materials. Notably, the synthesis of binary layered materials is considered as a major scientific breakthrough after the synthesis of graphene as they exhibit a wide spectrum of material properties with varied potential applicability. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the progress in the development of metastable layered compounds is presented. The various metastable layered compounds synthesized from layered ternary bulk materials through topochemical approaches are listed, followed by the descriptions of their mechanisms, structural analyses, characterizations, and potential applications. Finally, an essential research direction concerning the synthesis of new materials is indicated, wherein the possible application of topochemical approaches in unprecedented areas is explored.

Ultrahigh-Volumetric-Energy-Density Lithium-Sulfur Batteries with Lean Electrolyte Enabled by Cobalt-Doped MoSe2/Ti3C2Tx MXene Bifunctional Catalyst

It is a significant challenge to design a dense high-sulfur-loaded cathode and meanwhile to acquire fast sulfur redox kinetics and suppress the heavy shuttling in the lean electrolyte, thus to acquire a high volumetric energy density without sacrificing gravimetric performance for realistic Li-S batteries (LSBs). Herein, we develop a cation-doping strategy to tailor the electronic structure and catalytic activity of MoSe₂ that in situ hybridized with conductive Ti₃C₂T_x MXene, thus obtaining a Co-MoSe₂/MXene bifunctional catalyst as a high-efficient sulfur host. Combining a smart design of the dense sulfur structure, the as-fabricated highly dense S/Co-MoSe₂/MXene monolith cathode (density: 1.88 g cm^-3, conductivity: 230 S m^-1) achieves a high reversible specific capacity of 1454 mAh g^-1 and an ultrahigh volumetric energy density of 3659 Wh L^-1 at a routine electrolyte and a high areal capacity of ∼8.0 mAh cm^-2 under an extremely lean electrolyte of 3.5 μL mg_s^-1 at 0.1 C. Experimental and DFT theoretical results uncover that introducing Co element into the MoSe₂ plane can form a shorter Co-Se bond, impel the Mo 3d band to approach the Fermi level, and provide strong interactions between polysulfides and Co-MoSe₂, thereby enhancing its intrinsic electronic conductivity and catalytic activity for fast redox kinetics and uniform Li₂S nucleation in a dense high-sulfur-loaded cathode. This deep work provides a good strategy for constructing high-volumetric-energy-density, high-areal-capacity LSBs with lean electrolytes.

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDs) electrodes for supercapacitors: a comprehensive review

As globally, the main focus of the researchers is to develop novel electrode materials that exhibit high energy and power density for efficient performance energy storage devices. This review covers the up-to-date progress achieved in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) (e.g. MoS₂, WS₂, MoSe_2,and WSe₂) as electrode material for supercapacitors (SCs). The TMDs have remarkable properties like large surface area, high electrical conductivity with variable oxidation states. These properties enable the TMDs as the most promising candidates to store electrical energy via hybrid charge storage mechanisms. Consequently, this review article provides a detailed study of TMDs structure, properties, and evolution. The characteristics technique and electrochemical performances of all the efficient TMDs are highlighted meticulously. In brief, the present review article shines a light on the structural and electrochemical properties of TMD electrodes. Furthermore, the latest fabricated TMDs based symmetric/asymmetric SCs have also been reported.

Growth of large-scale MoS2 nanosheets on double layered ZnCo2O4 for real-time in situ H2S monitoring in live cells

There is an urgent need to develop in situ sensors that monitor the continued release of H2S from biological systems to understand H2S-related pathology and pharmacology. For this purpose, we have developed a molybdenum disulfide supported double-layered zinc cobaltite modified carbon cloth electrode (MoS2-ZnCo2O4-ZnCo2O4) based electrocatalytic sensor. The results of our study suggest that the MoS2-ZnCo2O4-ZnCo2O4 electrode has excellent electrocatalytic ability to oxidize H2S at physiological pH, in a minimized overpotential (+0.20 vs. Ag/AgCl) with an amplified current signal. MoS2 grown on double-layered ZnCo2O4 showed relatively better surface properties and electrochemical properties than MoS2 grown on single-layered ZnCo2O4. The sensor delivered excellent analytical parameters, such as low detection limit (5 nM), wide linear range (10 nM-1000 μM), appreciable stability (94.3%) and high selectivity (2.5-fold). The practicality of the method was tested in several major biological fluids. The electrode monitors the dynamics of bacterial H2S in real-time for up to 5 h with good cell viability. Our research shows that MoS2-ZnCo2O4-ZnCo2O4/carbon cloth is a robust and sensitive electrode to understand how bacteria seek to adjust their defense strategies under exogenously induced stress conditions.

Defect Engineering in Metastable Phases of Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides for Electrochemical Applications

Metastable metallic phases of transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanomaterials have displayed excellent performance and emerged as promising candidates for sustainable energy sources low-cost storage and conversion because of their two-dimensional (2D) layered structures and extraordinary physicochemical properties. In order to broaden the range of potential applications, defect engineering is applied to the metastable phases of TMDs for further improvement of their catalytic and electronic properties. According to some recent studies, effective introduction of defects without perturbing the interior conductivity contributes to the development of metastable TMDs. This review provides deep insights into recent progress in electrochemistry using defect engineering in the metastable phases of TMDs. After introducing the structures of metastable phases and methods for defect construction, significant developments in catalysis and energy storage applications are discussed to elucidate structure-function relationships. Key challenges and future directions for defect engineering in the metastable phases of TMDs are also highlighted in the conclusions.

Developed Low-Temperature Anionic 2H-MoS2/Au Sensing Layer Coated Optical Fiber Gas Sensor

Carboxyl-functionalized molybdenum disulfide (COOH-MoS₂) nanosheets were prepared through a facile low-temperature hydrothermal method. The phase transformation of metallic-1T to 2H-semiconductor COOH-MoS₂ nanosheets was conducted through introducing Au thin film on the unclad optical fiber as a sensing layer in a low temperature. The developed structure successfully refined the loss of the semiconducting properties and poor adhesion of COOH-MoS₂ on the unclad polymer optical fiber, which provided limited semiconductor potential as the sensing layers on the optical fiber surfaces. The sensing performance of the as-prepared structure was tested for quantitative detection of three different volatile organic carbons (VOCs) of ethanol, propanol, and methanol gases as well as cross-sensitivity to relative humidity. The operating principle was based on intensity variation of the evanescent wave in the sensing region. The response of the proposed sensing system shows maximum response and better linearity (R² = 0.999) to methanol at room temperature. Finally, the comparative experimental cross-sensitivity to relative humidity and methanol was also studied to evaluate the potential of sensing range.

Direct synthesis of metastable phases of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides

The different polymorphic phases of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted enormous interest in the last decade. The metastable metallic and small band gap phases of group VI TMDs displayed leading performance for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution, high volumetric capacitance and some of them exhibit large gap quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulating behaviour. Metastable 1T(1T') phases require higher formation energy, as compared to the thermodynamically stable 2H phase, thus in standard chemical vapour deposition and vapour transport processes the materials normally grow in the 2H phases. Only destabilization of their 2H phase via external means, such as charge transfer or high electric field, allows the conversion of the crystal structure into the 1T(1T') phase. Bottom-up synthesis of materials in the 1T(1T') phases in measurable quantities would broaden their prospective applications and practical utilization. There is an emerging evidence that some of these 1T(1T') phases can be directly synthesized via bottom-up vapour- and liquid-phase methods. This review will provide an overview of the synthesis strategies which have been designed to achieve the crystal phase control in TMDs, and the chemical mechanisms that can drive the synthesis of metastable phases. We will provide a critical comparison between growth pathways in vapour- and liquid-phase synthesis techniques. Morphological and chemical characteristics of synthesized materials will be described along with their ability to act as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction from water. Phase stability and reversibility will be discussed and new potential applications will be introduced. This review aims at providing insights into the fundamental understanding of the favourable synthetic conditions for the stabilization of metastable TMD crystals and at stimulating future advancements in the field of large-scale synthesis of materials with crystal phase control.

Anion Extraction-Induced Polymorph Control of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

Controlled phase conversion in polymorphic transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) provides a new synthetic route for realizing tunable nanomaterials. Most conversion methods from the stable 2H to metastable 1T phase are limited to kinetically slow cation insertion into atomically thin layered TMDs for charge transfer from intercalated ions. Here, we report that anion extraction by the selective reaction between carbon monoxide (CO) and chalcogen atoms enables predictive and scalable TMD polymorph control. Sulfur vacancy, induced by anion extraction, is a key factor in molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) polymorph conversion without cation insertion. Thermodynamic MoS₂-CO-CO₂ ternary phase diagram offers a processing window for efficient sulfur vacancy formation with precisely controlled MoS₂ structures from single layer to multilayer. To utilize our efficient phase conversion, we synthesize vertically stacked 1T-MoS₂ layers in carbon nanofibers, which exhibit highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction catalytic activity. Anion extraction induces the polymorph conversion of tungsten disulfide (WS₂) from 2H to 1T. This reveals that our method can be utilized as a general polymorph control platform. The versatility of the gas-solid reaction-based polymorphic control will enable the engineering of metastable phases in 2D TMDs for further applications.

Crystal structure and electrical resistance property of Rb0.21(H2O) y WS2

Rb0.21(H2O) y WS2, rubidium hydrate di-thio-tungstate, is a new quasi two-dimensional sulfide. Its crystal structure consists of ordered WS2 layers, separated by disordered Rb+ ions and water mol-ecules. All atomic sites are located on mirror planes. The WS2 layers are composed of edge-sharing [WS6] octa-hedra and extend parallel to (001). The presence of structural water was revealed by thermogravimetry, but the position and exact amount could not be determined in the present study. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistance indicates that Rb0.21(H2O) y WS2 is semiconducting between 80-300 K.

Nanoscale Investigation of Defects and Oxidation of HfSe2

HfSe₂ is a very good candidate for a transition metal dichalcogenide-based field-effect transistor owing to its moderate band gap of about 1 eV and its high-κ dielectric native oxide. Unfortunately, the experimentally determined charge carrier mobility is about 3 orders of magnitude lower than the theoretically predicted value. This strong deviation calls for a detailed investigation of the physical and electronic properties of HfSe₂. Here, we have studied the structure, density, and density of states of several types of defects that are abundant on the HfSe₂ surface using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. Compared to MoS₂ and WSe₂, HfSe₂ exhibits similar type of defects, albeit with a substantially higher density of 9 × 10¹¹ cm^-2. The most abundant defect is a subsurface defect, which shows up as a dim feature in scanning tunneling microscopy images. These dim dark defects have a substantially larger band gap (1.25 eV) than the pristine surface (1 eV), suggesting a substitution of the Hf atom by another atom. The high density of defects on the HfSe₂ surface leads to very low Schottky barrier heights. Conductive atomic force microscopy measurements reveal a very small dependence of the Schottky barrier height on the work function of the metals, suggesting a strong Fermi-level pinning. We attribute the observed Fermi-level pinning (pinning factor ∼0.1) to surface distortions and Se/Hf defects. In addition, we have also studied the HfSe₂ surface after the exposure to air by scanning tunneling microscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy. Partly oxidized layers with band gaps of 2 eV and Schottky barrier heights of ∼0.6 eV were readily found on the surface. Our experiments reveal that HfSe₂ is very air-sensitive, implying that capping or encapsulating of HfSe₂, in order to protect it against oxidation, is a necessity for technological applications.

Properties, Preparation and Applications of Low Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

Low-dimensional layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have recently emerged as an important fundamental research material because of their unique structural, physical and chemical properties. These novel properties make these TMDs a suitable candidate in numerous potential applications. In this review, we briefly summarize the properties of low-dimensional TMDs, and then focus on the various methods used in their preparation. The use of TMDs in electronic devices, optoelectronic devices, electrocatalysts, biosystems, and hydrogen storage is also explored. The cutting-edge future development probabilities of these materials and numerous research challenges are also outlined in this review.

Electrons, Excitons, and Phonons in Two-Dimensional Hybrid Perovskites: Connecting Structural, Optical, and Electronic Properties

Two-dimensional (2D) hybrid perovskites are stoichiometric compounds consisting of alternating inorganic metal-halide sheets and organoammonium cationic layers. This materials class is widely tailorable in composition, structure, and dimensionality and is providing an intriguing playground for the solid-state chemistry and physics communities to uncover structure-property relationships. In this Perspective, we describe semiconducting 2D perovskites containing lead and tin halide inorganic frameworks. In these 2D perovskites, charges are typically confined to the inorganic framework because of strong quantum and dielectric confinement effects, and exciton binding energies are many times greater than kT at room temperature. We describe the role of the heavy atoms in the inorganic framework; the geometry and chemistry of organic cations; and the "softness" of the organic-inorganic lattice on the electronic structure and dynamics of electrons, excitons, and phonons that govern the physical properties of these materials.