Janus transition metal dichalcogenides: a superior platform for photocatalytic water splitting

Abstract

Janus two-dimensional (2D) materials, referring to the layers with different surfaces, have attracted intensive research interest due to the unique properties induced by symmetry breaking, and promising applications in energy conversion. Based on the successful experimental synthesis of Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC), here we present a review on their potential application in photocatalytic overall water splitting, from the perspectives of the latest theoretical and experimental progress. Four aspects which are related to photocatalytic reaction, including the adsorption of water molecules, utilization of sunlight, charge separation and transport, and surface chemical reactions have been discussed, and it is concluded that the Janus structures have better performances than symmetric TMDCs. At the end of this review, we raise further challenges and possible future research directions for Janus 2D materials as water-splitting photocatalysts.

Rolling the WSSe Bilayer into Double-Walled Nanotube for the Enhanced Photocatalytic Water-Splitting Performance

“…In order to overall split water, the adequate redox capacities of photo-generated carriers require that, in photocatalysts, the CBM position should be higher than the H + /H 2 reduction potential (−4.44 eV at pH = 0), while the VBM one lower than the H 2 O/O 2 oxidation potential (−5.67 eV at pH = 0). For the polar materials, such as Janus TMD and ferroelectrics, the intrinsic dipole has a strong impact on the CBM and VBM positions [ 17 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Usually, for a given 2D polar material, the intrinsic dipole can be evaluated by the Δ Φ [ 31 , 32 ].…”

“…For the polar materials, such as Janus TMD and ferroelectrics, the intrinsic dipole has a strong impact on the CBM and VBM positions [ 17 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Usually, for a given 2D polar material, the intrinsic dipole can be evaluated by the Δ Φ [ 31 , 32 ]. By this means, we study the stacking-dependent dipole moment of the Janus WSSe bilayers.…”

MoS2and Janus (MoSSe) based 2D van der Waals heterostructures: emerging direct Z-scheme photocatalysts

“…In this scenario, theoretical studies of the TMOs have showcased a huge potential, which helps in opening the scope of further research 17,18 . Another class of 2D materials that have recently drawn a lot of interest is Janus 19,20 . These materials, having the form of MXY (M = Mo and X,Y = O, S, Se and Te; X =Y), lack mirror symmetry and have vertical dipole 21,22 .…”

К Модельному Описанию Электронного Спектра Графеноподобных Янус-Структур

“…[5,6]. Большое внимание уделяется Янус-структурам на основе дихалькагенидов переходных металлов [7,8]. Особое место занимают исследования магнитных состояний в Янусструктурах [4,9,10].…”