Layer-Structured Anisotropic Metal Chalcogenides: Recent Advances in Synthesis, Modulation, and Applications

Abstract

The unique electronic and catalytic properties emerging from low symmetry anisotropic (1D and 2D) metal chalcogenides (MCs) have generated tremendous interest for use in next generation electronics, optoelectronics, electrochemical energy storage devices, and chemical sensing devices. Despite many proof-of-concept demonstrations so far, the full potential of anisotropic chalcogenides has yet to be investigated. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent progress made in the synthesis, mechanistic understanding, property modulation strategies, and applications of the anisotropic chalcogenides. It begins with an introduction to the basic crystal structures, and then the unique physical and chemical properties of 1D and 2D MCs. Controlled synthetic routes for anisotropic MC crystals are summarized with example advances in the solution-phase synthesis, vapor-phase synthesis, and exfoliation. Several important approaches to modulate dimensions, phases, compositions, defects, and heterostructures of anisotropic MCs are discussed. Recent significant advances in applications are highlighted for electronics, optoelectronic devices, catalysts, batteries, supercapacitors, sensing platforms, and thermoelectric devices. The article ends with prospects for future opportunities and challenges to be addressed in the academic research and practical engineering of anisotropic MCs.

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals: from bottom-up nanoarchitectonics to energy harvesting applications

“…93 Interestingly, in addition to the 2D structures, Bi 2 S 3 , Sb 2 S 3 , and Sb 2 Se 3 possess a strong tendency to grow along the c-axis into a 1D nanostructure. 123 Such tendency is attributed to the chain-like molecular conformation that resulted from V–VI bonding and van der Waals interactions between the chains (Fig. 2b).…”

“…121,122 The layer structured chalcogenides grow into 2D nanoplates or nanosheets, as frequently observed in Bi 2 Se 3 , Bi 2 Te 3 , MoS 2 , and SnS 2 . 123 We have reported a colloidal method for the synthesis of large area ultrathin 2D Bi 2 Se 3 nanosheets (Fig. 2h).…”

“…124 The delicate difference in the relative surface free energy owing to the various shapes have been applied in diverse fields ranging from optoelectronics, battery, electrocatalysis, sensors, supercapacitors, thermoelectric devices, to spintronics devices. 48,[123][124][125][126] II-VI semiconductor NCs are widely investigated because of their potential applications in light emitting diodes, photovoltaics, transistor, and photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen generations. 1,37,94,125 CdS is an important semiconductor material with direct bulk bandgap of 2.5 eV, which has a broad range of potential applications in optoelectronics.…”

Solution-phase synthesis of group 3–5 transition metal chalcogenide inorganic nanomaterials

“…A number of the binary nanomaterials discussed here fall into the general category of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, and have been discussed in that context in other recent reviews. [14][15][16] The bulk of this article consists of a comprehensive survey of reported synthetic routes to ternary and binary sulfide and selenide nanomaterials which include transition metals from groups 3, 4, and 5. During the course of this survey, we will highlight major trends and contrasts both within and among different materials.…”

“…A number of the binary nanomaterials discussed here fall into the general category of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, and have been discussed in that context in other recent reviews. 14–16…”