Modulating the Electronic and Optical Properties of Tetragonal ZnSe Monolayers by Chalcogen Dopants

2D Transition Metal Chalcogenides (TMDs) for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: A Review

Since the MoS2 synthesis, the family of two-dimensional transition metal chalcogenides (TMDs) have been intensively explored theoretically and experimentally. TMDs endowed with adjustable electronic, physical and chemical properties lead to increasing interest in the application of energy storage, molecule detection and catalysis. In the mini review, we present a forward-looking summary of 2D TMDs in hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis, including synthesis methods, hydrogen evolution performance, and optimization strategies. This review will deepen the fundamental understanding of the physical-chemical properties of TMDs with different phases and contribute unveil the universal principle among electronic configuration, atomic arrangement, physical and chemical property for the material design.

A theoretical perspective of the enhanced photocatalytic properties achieved by forming tetragonal ZnS/ZnSe hetero-bilayer

The t-ZnS/ZnSe BL demonstrates good electron–hole separation by allocation of photo-induced electrons and holes in different layers.

The dimensional and hydrogenating effect on the electronic properties of ZnSe nanomaterials: a computational investigation

We performed a comprehensive first-principles study on the structural and electronic properties of ZnSe two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets and their derived one-dimensional (1D) nanoribbons (NRs) and nanotubes (NTs).

Layered tetragonal zinc chalcogenides for energy-related applications: from photocatalysts for water splitting to cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

Two-dimensional (2D) materials with tunable direct bandgaps are attractive for energy-related applications such as visible-light optical devices and cathode materials in metal-ion batteries. Here we perform first-principles calculations to investigate the structural, electrical, optical, and electrochemical properties of 2D tetragonal (t-) ZnX (X = S, Se) with layered structures and we also explore their applications in photocatalysts and Li-ion batteries. We find that t-ZnX layers prefer the AA stacking pattern when forming multi-layer (ML) structures. We also show that t-ZnX MLs and 3D bulks are all stable according to phonon calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The band edge positions of these layered materials can be tuned by modifying the number of layers to transform them into being more suitable for photocatalysis. We further show that the t-ZnX layered structures, in particular t-ZnS single-layer (SL), are promising cathode materials for Li-ion batteries exhibiting a strong adsorption of Li atoms without reducing the Li mobility. Finally, we find that the most favorable adsorption configuration of Li atoms on t-ZnX SL strongly depends on the Li concentration. It is worth pointing out that the almost barrierless feature of Li diffusion on t-ZnS SLs makes t-ZnS SL a good candidate for a fast-charging device. Our work opens a promising avenue for the modulation of novel t-ZnX layered structures for a wealth of potential applications in energy conversion and storage.