Metallic Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide Nanocatalysts for Energy Conversion

Abstract

Metallic transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) nanomaterials have emerged as highly active and robust catalysts for energy conversion from renewable electricity or solar energy to fuels via electrochemical or solar-driven water-splitting technologies. Possessing intriguing electronic and catalytic properties, this category of materials based on earth-abundant elements is increasingly being explored and developed for practical applications. This review provides indepth insights into recent progress regarding electrocatalysis and photocatalysis using metallic TMDC nanomaterials. After the introduction and fundamental illustration of the structures and extraordinary properties, we discuss the significant developments in synthetic methodologies and energy conversion applications with significant strategies for enhancing catalytic performance. Several personal perspectives on the opportunities and challenges in this promising realm are discussed in the conclusion.

Two‐Dimensional Layered Metallic VSe2/SWCNTs/rGO Based Ternary Hybrid Materials for High Performance Energy Storage Applications

“…TMDs can be further classified into two structural groups based on the crystal structure, that is, TMDs with trigonal prismatic 2H phase and octahedral 1T phase . The 2H phase is semiconducting in nature, whereas the 1T phase is metallic . Among the TMDs, VSe 2 gained great attention due to its metallic behavior in both 1T and 2H phases .…”

Highly efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution promoted by O–Mo–C interfaces of ultrafine β-Mo2C nanostructures

“…This value indicates that the performance of b-Mo 2 C@NPCC is similar to, or superior to, the best high performance HER catalysts reported in the literature (Tables S6 and S7 †). 10,14,15,[17][18][19]31,33,[37][38][39][43][44][45] To understand the underlying mechanism of the outstanding HER activity of b-Mo 2 C@NPCC in detail, Tafel plots based on LSV curves were acquired (Fig. 4b).…”

Electronic Modulation of Nickel Disulfide toward Efficient Water Electrolysis

“…By contrast, metallic‐like materials with fascinating electronic structures can facilitate reaction kinetics, reduce the loss of electron transport during electrocatalysis, increase the density of active sites, and give rise to intrinsic activities. [ 7 ] As known, structural engineering would lead to changes in electronic structure; and, consequently, changes in conductivity properties. [ 7 ] Therefore, conversion of semiconducting NiS 2 into metallic one by structural engineering to achieve enhancement in water electrolysis is of great interest.…”

“…[ 7 ] As known, structural engineering would lead to changes in electronic structure; and, consequently, changes in conductivity properties. [ 7 ] Therefore, conversion of semiconducting NiS 2 into metallic one by structural engineering to achieve enhancement in water electrolysis is of great interest. Second, there has been raising concern of too high electronegativity of S, causing too strong interaction between S and H (highly negative Δ G H* ); and consequently, poor HER efficiency.…”