Transition metal dichalcogenide-based mixed-dimensional heterostructures for visible-light-driven photocatalysis: Dimensionality and interface engineering

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are emerging as promising building blocks of high-performance photocatalysts for visible-light-driven water splitting because of their unique physical, chemical, electronic, and optical properties. This review focuses on the fundamentals of 2D TMDC-based mixed-dimensional heterostructures and their unique properties as visible-light-driven photocatalysts from the perspective of dimensionality and interface engineering. First, we discuss the approaches and advantages of surface modification and functionalization of 2D TMDCs for photocatalytic water splitting under visible-light illumination. We then classify the strategies for improving the photocatalytic activity of 2D TMDCs via combination with various low-dimensional nanomaterials to form mixed-dimensional heterostructures. Further, we highlight recent advances in the use of these mixed-dimensional heterostructures as high-efficiency visible-light-driven photocatalysts, particularly focusing on synthesis routes, modification approaches, and physiochemical mechanisms for improving their photoactivity. Finally, we provide our perspectives on future opportunities and challenges in promoting real-world photocatalytic applications of 2D TMDC-based heterostructures.

Dual Functions of CO2 Molecular Activation and 4f Levels as Electron Transport Bridge in Dysprosium Single Atom Composite Photocatalysts with Enhanced Visible‐Light Photoactivities

“…Therefore, the use of photocatalysts to achieve an efficient conversion of CO 2 into green energy under the irradiation of clean solar energy is a popular choice of effective means. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] It is well known that the construction of excellent photocatalytic materials is a necessary means to improve photocatalytic performance. [27][28][29][30][31] Among the photocatalytic materials reported, the bandgap of graphite carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) is ≈2.7 eV, and the conduction band (CB) level is relatively negative, which promotes the reduction capability of photogenerated electrons.…”

An S-scheme heterojunction constructed from α-Fe2O3 and In-doped carbon nitride for high-efficiency CO2 photoreduction

“…[11][12][13][14] Coupling PCN with other small band gap semiconductors to form a heterojunction can expand its response to the solar spectrum and effectively suppress the recombination of photoinduced electron-hole pairs, thus significantly improving the photocatalytic performance of PCN. [15][16][17][18][19][20] Recently, S-scheme heterojunctions such as TiO 2 /PCN, CeO 2 / PCN and AgBr/BiOBr have attracted much interest because they can keep a strong redox ability compared to traditional type-II heterojunctions. [21][22][23] α-Fe 2 O 3 , as a narrow band gap semiconductor (∼2.2 eV), is low cost, and has a large optical absorption range, good thermal stability and low valence band (VB) position.…”

Epitaxial Growth of Flower-Like MoS2 on One-Dimensional Nickel Titanate Nanofibers: A “Sweet Spot” for Efficient Photoreduction of Carbon Dioxide

“…Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are another emerging group of materials that show promise because of their unique nanoflower morphology, consisting of layered structures with thin open edges (Chen et al, 2017;Zhang et al, 2020;Gan et al, 2021). TMDs have improved light absorption and charge separation, and hence various catalytic properties.…”